The Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol gets five full stars for its wonderful 3rd of July celebration. For 26 years, they have hosted a magnificent look at small-town America, right here in one of the most liberal towns in the whole country. My two Australian guests could not get enough. Everyone in town gathers at the high school football field for a huge picnic: There are potato sack races for the kids(everyone gets a prize), a moon walk, food stands, a band, dancing, a flag parade, a raffle, an ambitious teenager leading us all in a jazzy, even MORE impossible to sing version of the«Star Spangled Banner,» and best of all, fireworks. Not only is it a fabulous experience, but the Kiwanis use the profits to donate to their various local charities. I don’t go every year, but I love it when I do.
