Family reunions are an awesome time to celebrate the family. My family is gathering in Grundy, Va. this weekend. Another segment will gather in Richwood, W.Va. next weekend.

I am also a part of an exciting and growing family. We know it as Valley Grande.

The community is getting ready to celebrate our annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 30, at Valley Grande Park. It has grown over the past few years into a tremendous celebration.

It will begin at 3:15 p.m. with the “Rib Cook-off.” I had the privilege of being a judge last year. It doesn’t get much better than that! There is still time to enter the competition. The cost is $20. The top three entries receive a cash prize.

The children kick off another tradition at 5 p.m with a parade of decorated bikes. It is always fun to see who did the best job of embellishing their bike.

The main events kick off at 5 p.m. There will be a large variety of games for people of all ages to play. One of my favorites is the “Dunking Booth.” As usual, I will spend about 30 minutes observing the best pitchers in the area try to hit a small target to send me plummeting into a pool of water. Some people think I’ve lost my mind volunteering for such an event. The truth is, on a hot summer day, dropping into a tank of cool water is quite refreshing.

If you like food, come join us! Area churches will be providing a wide assortment of culinary options. Plan to come hungry and check out all the choices. Praise Park Nazarene is adding cotton candy to our offerings this year. The kids will love it! Along with everything else, it should be a great time.

Dixie 100 is always a part of the festivities. George Henry will be emcee for the evening. He has a great job. All of the churches send a never-ending line of food his way.

The city always caps off the evening with a giant fireworks display at 9 p.m. Dixie 100 will have the show choreographed with patriotic music. It is always a great conclusion to the evening.

Donna Downs, a member of Valley Grande City Council, always does a superb job with this celebration.

It’s another reason we see Valley Grande as, “Simply Beautiful.”