(Above) Folks on the Fillmore & Western open air cars enjoy the Fillmore fireworks show from front row seats. Story and photos by Bob Crum. If memory of history serves correctly... it was way, way, way back on July 2, 1776, that the members of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia undertook the bold (and dangerous) vote for independence from Great Britain. But... it wasn't until the 4th of July that they formally adopted the paramount document that we know as of the Declaration of Independence. The event was cause for great celebration throughout the land and the people of the United States of America have been celebrating ever since. When it comes to hosting a great July 4th party, Fillmore... the last best small town in Southern California... knows a thing or two about serving up a magnificent banquet of good times. The recipe: a batch of fireworks booths... add a heaping supply of gorgeous restored classic cars, vendors serving yummy goodies... unlimited shaved-ice cones... music to massage the ear drums and a majestic steam engine that never fails to enthrall the multitudes within hearing distance of her magical steam whistle. Serving a feast of this magnitude... who wouldn't want to come? So they did. By the gazillions. You were there... right? Throngs of people ogled the many beautifully restored antique classic cars. Some folks were seen drooling excessively while others simply fell madly in love with the classic car of their dreams... and wishing. Many others were exercising their mouth muscles by munching on a tasty morsel of choice. Many also stopped by the hat booth and bought a sombrero to shield them from the blazing hot sun? The day was indeed a scorcher. When tired feet needed a reprieve, rest for the weary was on one of three scheduled trains pulled by Fillmore & Western Railways' mighty Baldwin #14 steam locomotive as she whisked delighted passengers on a thrill-of-a-lifetime trip through the beautiful Fillmore countryside. OK... it wasn't quite bullet-train speed but traversing Fillmore's bucolic terrain at unhurried steam locomotive speeds manifests melancholy. Remember how sweet were the good old days of leisurely travel? Steam engine aficionados not riding the train were chasing me chasing the train to catch a photo... or twenty. More is not even enough. Admittedly... no sooner than I hear the steam engine's whistle I'm afflicted with POCD... Photographic Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. An incurable malady. However... grabbing the camera and shooting a few photographs provides some measure of temporary relief. Very temporary! As the sun disappeared below the western horizon... a wonderful day of fun and good cheer was topped off with a fabulous display of fireworks. As a visual tribute... and a brief reminder of our independence as a country... the Fillmore's fireworks show did not disappoint. It was a fabulous banquet of good times! Now, however, torturous will be the 362 days waiting for the next July 4th festivities. Oh... if only we had a time machine! Congratulations to all the people who executed the many tasks that made the day of celebration great, as well as memorable, for all who partook of the fabulous festivities. A job well done!