Published: July 04, 2008 11:28 pm      

HOLIDAY: Royalton does it right on the Fourth

ROYALTON – The Royalton Ravine was abuzz well before the town’s Great Royalton 4th of July Celebration on Friday.

The Independence Day festivities have gotten so popular Niagara County has requested it to be scaled down a bit, according to founder Tom Brigham.

“The county wanted us to downsize it because it got too big,” the former contractor said as he manned one of the gates. “We were anticipating 500 people the first year. The county wants us to hold it less than 5,000. It may be tough to do.”

The celebration, which is put on by a committee of 18 businesses, clubs and individuals, does not advertise or market the event.

Volunteers arrived at 7 a.m. to heat up the barbecue grills for 1,000 chickens. Booths were set up for kids games and families were staking claim to their favorite spots to pitch a tent or camp.

Chairman Jeff Brown noted that the party got too big for two people to run.

“The committee of 18 dug in and grabbed it by the horns. Tom used to do everything. We all pitched in and said, ‘OK what can we do?’ It’s quite an effort, that’s why there’s 18 of us.”

The Victor Fitchlee Education Park was ringed with pony rides, a petting zoo, Pluck a Duck, Wheel of 4-tune, lollipop gambling and a ping pong toss. There were T-shirts for sale, sno-cones and face painting.

“It’s really about the kids,” Brown said. “We’ve got a ton of stuff for kids to do, a lot of games. It’s just a family atmosphere. That’s what we’re trying to promote.”

Brenda Sims, a Batavia native who made her home in Gasport, brought her son, Daniel Sims, 17; granddaughter Emily Collette, 8; and grandson J.J. Collette, 6. They all agreed that the fireworks were the best.

“It’s an awesome time,” Daniel said. “I meet friends I haven’t seen in years. They come here. It’s fun.”

“We got the spot we get every year, because you can see the fireworks,” Emily said.

“We’ve been here every year since they started it,” Brenda said. “The fireworks, the band. You always meet people you haven’t seen in years. Everybody meets here.”

The children helped themselves to selected freebees, courtesy of Tri-Town Ambulance. The volunteer ambulance company also provided free blood pressure checks while it was on EMS, volunteer Jason Randolph said.

Bob Beyer of Middleport relaxed with about 20 members of his family and friends. The group had three tents set up strategically located between the band, the barbecue and the portable restrooms.

The Brighams got the idea for a 4th of July celebration while vacationing in the Adirondacks. Area businesses, clubs and restaurants were quick to donate money and volunteers.

“We wanted them to cover the fireworks and we didn’t have a single no,” Brigham said. “They said yes, what else can we do for you. They’ve been very supportive. It takes a lot of work and a lot of time. The fireworks (display is) one of the best in county if not Western New York.”

The Lions Club is no longer a sponsor, but it’s mascot, “Mr. Lion” was part of the parade. The Lion is caged and always makes the Royalton parade, said Joan Nachtrieb of the Gasport Lions who was chauffeured by her grandson, Harry Grandzow.

Bruce Ainsworth and Dorrie Farewell of D & B Auto had 10 children hand out 300 balloons instead of candy. Daughter Kendal Farewell, 9, directed the team.

Contact reporter Bill Wolcott at 439-9222, ext. 6246.