History

Hundreds enjoy hot July Fourth at MSU campus

by Beth Kourajian
Staff writer

Smiles of happy youngsters and the smell of hot dogs and cotton candy enticed people who attended the 17th annual old-fashioned July Fourth celebration on the campus of Moorhead State University Tuesday.

"The crowd is as big as ever," said Ron Matthies, director of university relations. Matthies said that despite the steamy temperatures and other Fourth of July activities around the area, the turnout at MSU's celebration was very successful.

Matthies said the crown consisted mainly "families and the older crowd." He said he knew a lot of people would go to the lakes for the holiday but the celebration was mainly for the people in town to attend.

"We're very pleased, especially this year," Matthies said. Because all construction on the campus mall, most activities revolved around the library, which did not hinder the celebration, he said.

The day's highlight was a hay wagon driven by Dr. Charles Mayo, Georgetown, Minn. "It's a new thing this year and I think it is the highlight," Matthies said. Mayo and his two Belgian horses, Maggie and Arla, fascinated the spectators and riders of the hay ride. "It's quite the talk item around," said Deb Huber of Moorhead. Huber said the horses were a special treat for the children. "You can just see it in their eyes," she said.

Mayo and his pair of horses circled the MSU campus while lines of children and adults anxiously awaited their turn.

Mayo, a physician at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, said he has been around horses all his life. His favorites, however, are Belgians. "They have very good hoofs, and are generally very solid," he said.

Most of the booths and celebration activities were staffed by volunteers. MSU president Roland Dille gave the introduction Tuesday afternoon.

"It's an especially interesting year,"

Dille said. "People are very much aware of the government, thanks to the recent decision of the (U.S.) Supreme Court and the new president." Dille also reflected on the recent situation in China. As part of celebration activities, a forum was held on China's political turmoil. An MSU professor, Sylvia Morgan, and an MSU student, Jill Trites, were featured at the forum. Morgan and Trites were stranded in China during the Chinese government crackdowns in early June.

Dille said a decision must be made this week whether MSU will continue an exchange program with Tianjin University in China.

Dille said despite the turmoil in China, Americans have a reason to celebrate the Fourth of July.

"It's time we think about freedom."