Happy Independence Day!

Another “birthday” is upon us. And it’s a big one: 250 years.

Although there was no Leelanau County, nor even a Michigan, when our nation was officially founded 250 years ago, it’s interesting to speculate on what the early July Fourth observances were in this area so many years ago.

There certainly wasn't an elaborate, fun-filled parade nor the crowds of holidaying visitors intent on taking it all in. There certainly wasn’t a shutdown or curtailment of commerce — the stores didn’t dream of closing. Farmers noticed in his labors just because the calendar said it was the fourth day of July.