Former governor returns to festivities 51 years after first

GEORGE - This year, there will be someone at George's Independence Day celebration who was there for the first one.

Former state governor Albert Rosellini is slated to make a special appearance during the festivities Friday at 11 a.m., during the ringing of the Freedom Bell and the flag salute.

"Governor Rosellini was here on July 4, 1957, for the very first Fourth of July celebration here," said Debby Kooy, George Community Hall director and coordinator of Independence Day festivities. "It's amazing we can have him back 51 years later."

The celebration also marks the town's celebration.

New to the celebration this year is a comedy magic show from Spokane resident Dick Frost.

"We've never really done that before," Kooy said. "We've had a few hypnotists … I can't wait to see his stuff because he actually goes over and beyond what you would normally expect. He'll work through the crowd before his program, walk through the people and just do small magic tricks before he goes on stage. It generates a whole lot of interest."

And there will be George's famous Giant Cherry Pie. Kooy and other members of the Georgettes (formerly the George Berkettes) met in the Quincy High School foods lab Wednesday morning to bake the pie crust pieces.

There's never been an accurate head count, but Kooy said at least 2,000 bowls of pie are given away each year.

She estimated the celebration draws more than 4,000 people from across the state.

Kooy believes the celebration has lasted in part because of the town's determined residents who wanted to make it happen and keep it going.

"I think there would be rioting in the streets if we didn't have it," she said. "People love this celebration. People like coming to George to celebrate the Fourth of July because it's patriotic. We just like to celebrate the love of country and just enjoying our families and getting together with our friends and neighbors. That's what it's about."

George's daylong celebration begins with construction of the giant pie at 6:30 a.m. at the Rotary Pie Pavilion, located outside George Community Hall at 403 W. Montmorency Boulevard, and ends with fireworks at dusk.

For more information and a complete schedule of festivities, call 509-797-5632 or access the George Coffeehouse Web site at www.georgecoffeehouse.com.