Hendel: Country clubs lead July 4 festivities

INDEPENDENCE Day celebrations were all last week, but the memories of fun times still linger in the minds of those who attended picnics, cookouts, and parties before watching fireworks, the grand finale of the day.

Many folks, young and old, took the opportunity to don patriotic attire.

TOLEDO Country Club had a different than normal menu for its 425 members and guests with macaroni salad, BLT potato salad, pineapple with fruit dip, Betty salad, pulled pork slaw, buffalo chicken meatballs, roasted chicken with BBQ sauce, honey glazed salmon, smoked pastrami, root beer baked beans, potato wedges, fried apples, corn pudding, a Chicago dog station, and a kids buffet of corn dogs, pizza, curly fries, and cheesy broccoli.

Desserts included red, white, and blue cupcakes, ice cream novelties, gooey butter cake, and banana pudding. The club’s celebration on July 5 overlooking the Maumee River also included a petting zoo with goats, rabbits, and chickens, a balloon artist, a magician, and carnival games.

BELMONT Country Club hosted its annual fireworks party on July 2 with nearly 1,000 members and guests on the patio and lawn.

There were ice cream trucks, cotton candy, pony rides, inflatables, balloons, and much more including an all-American buffet.

Then on July 3 Belmont hosted a good ol’ fashioned pool party with relay races, jumping in for coins, water balloon toss, and more.

DITTO for Sylvania Country Club which had carnival style games, a petting zoo with a kangaroo, pony rides, inflatables, snow cones, a buffet of burgers, dogs, and more. Then everyone staked out their claim with blankets on the lawn to watch the pyrotechnics show.

STONE Oak Country Club celebrated the 4th of July on July 3. The whole neighborhood was invited to enjoy carnival rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more before everyone settled down for the big fireworks display with oohs and aahs. There were also hot dogs, burgers, watermelon, and more on hand to sate appetites.

LAKESIDE Chautauqua was also a great place to celebrate the 4th of July.

The family weekend included a bike parade, a float parade, featuring decorated golf carts, antique cars, floats, candy, and firetrucks with honorary Grand Marshals Dave and Mary Ann Hirsch .

Also, there was swimming, tennis, shuffleboard, music, and fireworks to be had.

OF course there were all of the area city fireworks displays, too, which drew hundreds of spectators.

BEFORE the run of Independence Day parties, Greg Fess hosted a welcome to the neighborhood soiree for Bill and Heather McDonnell , who just moved into the Riverlot, next to Toledo Country Club overlooking the Maumee River. In addition to Riverlot folks, there were others on the invitation list including Adam Levine (and Brooke), John and Mary Fedderke , Jay and Trina Secor , Mike and Carol Anderson , and Bob and Sue Savage .

REMAX Preferred also had a party on June 27 at its Executive Parkway parking lot. The family party included food, ice creams, music, and games.

NOW it's time for the 40th Dana Open for the Ladies Professional Golf Association which starts Monday at Highland Meadows Golf Club with Pro-Ams lasting through Wednesday. There's also the 19th Hole Party presented by O-I & Hollywood Casino — at Hollywood Casino on Tuesday night. Thursday is the first day of the tournament which ends next Sunday. Come on out and enjoy watching some great women's golf, schmoozing with friends, and getting some exercise as you stroll the links. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and suntan lotion.