The Fourth of July is upon us once more and it's nice to see red, white, and blue decorations everywhere. A parade and evening fireworks will be part of the local celebration Friday.

John and Janey Montgomery of North LaSalle Island entertained some interesting guests recently. Colonel Louie A. Babbitt United States Air Force Res. and his wife, Gloria, from Placerville, California, were visitors at the Montgomery cottage to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary. Colonel Babbitt and Mr. Montgomery flew together more than 50 years ago in Spangdahlem, Germany. Colonel Babbitt subsequently flew in the B- 58 Hustler which was capable of flying at mach 2 plus. The Babbitts have traveled extensively, owing to military assignments that spanned 34 years, and lived overseas for 10 years. They have also been master gardeners for many years.

Originally from Northville, this was their first trip over the Mackinac Bridge and into the Upper Peninsula. Colonel Babbitt took part in three wars, World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War.

The Historical Museum in Cedarville has taken on a new look. The interior has been rearranged this year and it is almost like walking through a village. Hotel memorabilia is in one area, Indian artifacts in a special corner, an old-fashioned laundry, a living room; all have their own displays. Mary Hill and Cynthia Smith put in long hours to establish this depiction of early Cedarville and Hessel.

A trip to Cheboygan last week took place during the town's "Wanigan Race." Rafts made from wooden planks or logs were handpoled down the Cheboygan River, ending in a chili cook-off. Each raft had a little house with smoke rolling out of a chimney where, inside, chili was apparently being cooked. As we were visiting a grandson and his wife, Mark and Taylor Oberman who live on the river, we watched this event and it was an interesting spectacle. It was also nice last week to have a visit from a nephew, Bob Tidey and his wife, Mary Jo, from Rockford.

The Les Cheneaux Community Library will host a book sale Tuesday, July 1, Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3. Also at that time, the benches decorated by local artists will be on display for the silent auction, sponsored by the Les Cheneaux Education Foundation. Bids may be placed through the month of July, when the final, lucky bidders will be announced.

A reminder to sailors that the Ensign Class 31 of Les Cheneaux will host the 2008 Ensign Class Region V Championship Regatta Thursday, July 10, through Saturday, July 12, in Wilderness Bay. The races will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday of that week.