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Independence Day Celebration Held In Cherry Creek

Winners of the Cruise-In are pictured in Cherry Creek. From left are Doug Merrill from Conewango Valley, winner of the motorcycle category for his ’03 Harley Davidson; Trenton Merrill of South Dayton, winner of the car category for his ’64 Buick LeSabre; and Dick Bradiganl, winner of the truck category with his ’48 GMC pickup. P-J photo by Sue Ann Fish

CHERRY CREEK — Children laughed and played, music filled the air and Old Glory flew high as the annual Independence Day Celebration was held recently in Cherry Creek.

The weekend began early Friday morning as many visited the village-wide yard sales. Rain threatened throughout the day, but held off to allow the Cruise-In to go off without a hitch. Over 80 cars, trucks and motorcycles registered in the event, with winners being decided by the people’s choice.

Dick Bradigan of Forestville won the truck category with his 1948 GMC pickup truck. Trenton Merrill of South Dayton won the car category with his 1964 Buick LeSabre. Making it a family affair, Trenton’s grandfather, Doug Merrill from Conewango Valley won the motorcycle category with his ’03 Harley Davidson. Providing music and atmosphere for the Cruise-In was the band, Freddy and the Jets.

Support for community was evident in some of the booths in the park as well. Heading up the booth to recruit new junior firefighters, Dustin Sheldon was in charge of the very popular dunk tank, which, on Saturday would hold the sheriff. Anyone between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age from the Pine Valley School District is eligible to join the Junior Firefighters by calling Pattie Lukaszewski at 296-1005.

Another booth housed a 50-50 drawing, sponsored by the Cherry Creek Fire Auxiliary, with the proceeds going to further the rebuilding of the Trillium Lodge. The raffle was the brainchild of Lucinda Nichols, fire auxiliary vice president.

Lucinda Nichols is pictured selling 50/50 tickets to benefit the rebuilding of the Trillium Lodge.

Despite the rain that fell Saturday morning, the parade down Main Street went on as planned. The parade began with Color Guard from VFW Post 2522, which stopped in front of the reviewing stand while the National Anthem was sung by PVCS junior, Emily Pfleuger. Keeping the audience informed of the marching units was the emcee for the day, Larry Zollinger, who also reminded the audience of the reason for the celebration by reading the Declaration of Independence.

After the live auction conducted by Andrew Miller and Stan Dybka, the winners of the pie baking contest were announced.

The best crust category was won by Roxanne Overturf and her Blackberry pie. Best filling was awarded to Anita Wise’s cherry-blueberry pie. Best presentation went to Jeff Hitchcock’s American apple pie. Donna Snyder was given the award for overall best pie for her American Apple Walnut pie.

The parade winners were:

¯ Firemen Marching Units: first place, Sheridan Fire Department; second place, holding Cherry Creek Junior Firefighters;

Dustin Sheldon, left, and Keith Nichols at the dunk tank.

¯ Oldest Fire equipment: Ellington Volunteer Fire Department;

¯ Newest Fire Equipment: Conewango Fire Department;

¯ Unattached Color Guard: first place, Chautauqua County Chapter Son’s of the American Revolution; second place, South Dayton American Legion Post 1583.

¯ Sr. Marching Units: first place, Pine Valley VFW Post 2522 Auxiliary; second place, Cherry Creek VFW Post 2522.

¯ Jr. Marching Units: first place, South Dayton Cub Scouts Pack 257; second place, South Dayton Girl Scouts.

Float Winners

¯ Musical: Trillium Lodge

¯ Organization: first place, Cherry Creek Sno-Goers; second place, South Chautauqua Federal Credit Union;

¯ Youth: first place, Cherry Creek Little League Ball Teams; second place, Pine Valley Swim Club;

¯ Family: first place, The Powell Family; second place, Chautauqua County Dairy Princess;

¯ Business: first place, Center of Attention Hair Salon; second place, Sinclairville 76ers Meals On Wheels;

¯ Tractors: Larry Hodges, Joe Powell, Cherry Creek VFW Trailer by Rodgers and Sons;

¯ Trucks & Cars: Benton Bryant, Ed Shults ( Grand Marshall car), TPS Supply, Cherry Creek Highway Supply, Larry Hodges, NOCO, Dave Warren, Frec Milliman;

¯ Horses: Ken Kingsbury and wife;

¯ Bicycles: Joe and Linda Powell.

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