The Plains VFW kicked of the Fourth of July celebrations with a picnic in the park.

With favorable weather, locals headed down to the Fred Young Park, where kids could play under the shade of the trees and mom and dad could sit and visit.

Local VFW members put on the BBQ lunch for locals as they celebrated Independence Day in rural American style.

Ex-servicemen enjoyed a sit in the shade while having a chat, enjoying hamburgers and hotdogs.

One VFW member went all out and baked some 300 mini cupcakes for the event. Needless to say, they were just as popular as the almighty burger.

Bob Miller was there, walking around with a hand full of poppies for everyone to grab. A small donation saw many poppies added to hairstyles, or pinned to a shirt or hat.

VFW Grill man Gary Jenson spent the afternoon cooking up a storm with plenty to go around. Some even headed back for a second plate.