4th of July Parade & Community Wide Flea Market Says, “I Know Jo Was Busy Busy Busy This Week, Were You?”

By Jo Mixon

Ah, the fun of summertime finally graces the Moreno Valley. With it come two of my grandsons’ favorite events. First, he helped with the Annual Community Wide Flea Market sponsored by the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce. Then four days later on July fourth, we joined in the celebration of Independence Day by entering a float for the Angel Fire Chamber in the Eagle Nest Parade.

In its second year, the Flea Market was bigger and better than the first, with over thirty-five merchants and hundreds of shoppers. The atmosphere was fun and festive. We had a clown, face painting, great food, and plenty of treasures; and we already have people who have requested a booth for next year!

The annual flea market could not take place without the tireless effort of volunteers Carla Sides, Karen Nichols, and Donna Holman Chase. These ladies are key to the success of this event, and I am pleased to give them special recognition and praise! I also want to thank the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle and the Village of Angel Fire for their generosity and help, as well as all the venders and shoppers who turned out to make the flea market a truly successful event. Hope to see you all there next year, too.

This was the Angel Fire Chamber’s first year to enter a float in the Eagle Nest Parade. We went with a simple Patriotic theme. Mari Lindsey handmade the banners and Annie and B.J. Lindsey donated many of the decorations. A great big “thank you” to everyone who showed up to help decorate, and to all the children who rode. (all the “children” includes Chamber board members Samantha Weeks and Rogers Lanon!)

Everyone involved with the first-ever Angel Fire Chamber parade float entry had a terrific time! I can’t recall reciting the Pledge of Allegiance that many times in a row, ever in my life – especially not while being led by a four year old. (Good job Hayden!) Special thanks also to Barry, Gail, and Brian Lindsey for pulling our float. We felt very presidential! And it couldn’t have been more perfect timing that, as soon as we “undecorated” our float, the rain began to pour.

Stay tuned for a great series of adventurous “I Know Jo” stories this summer; and watch for a special membership contest which will allow some lucky winner to “Go with Jo” on one of my member profile excursions!

Have a great week – summer is here, so get out and play!

See below for photos from the Flea Market and 4th of July Parade and check out our Facebook page for more!