UTICA — It was a hometown-style Fourth of July celebration when Licking Lodge No. 291 hosted the annual Utica Fourth of July Celebration on Sunday and Monday at Southend Park in Utica.
“It’s a good community get-together,” said Jim Wray who comes out to the celebration each year. “You just know so many people here. They all come out to visit. One of the best parts is the rhubarb pie; it is awesome.”
The two-day festival featured an antique tractor show, a car show, horse pull, kids games, the Utica Idol contest, lots of food and a grand display of fireworks. Sunday’s opening ceremonies included the annual Little Miss Firecracker and Little Master Rocket contest. This year’s winners were Sydney Huetter, 7, as Miss Firecracker and Steven Canterbury, 6, as Master Rocket. Sydney is the daughter of James and Susan Huetter of Utica, while Steven is the son of Stacy Canterbury of Newark.
