What a red, white, and blue weekend Fairmont just experienced. It cast the spotlight on a lot of folks and illuminated the smiling faces of many citizens.

On Friday, the Farmers Festival queens and I traveled to the Greenbriar long term care facility in town to host a social for the residents. The queens passed out flags, magnets, and key chains and spent time talking to each resident.

Lauren Miller, a Lumberton soloist, sang songs and offered encouraging words which really enlivened the group. Refreshments were served to the 75 in attendance. I plan four of these trips a year with the next one being at Halloween.

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On Friday night, about 20 citizens attended the showing of a free movie in the Heritage Center. A popular movie with a July 4th theme and starring the popular actor Will Smith was on tap. Moviegoers munched on popcorn, sodas, and red, white, and blue Popsicles as the American military took on the aliens and won. These free movies are made possible by donations of several Fairmont merchants and the Chamber of Commerce.

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The patriotic fun continued on Saturday for 35 senior citizens as they enjoyed ice cream and July 4th cake while playing bingo in the Heritage Center. There were door prize drawings for cash and bingo gifts were passed out to the winners of each game. All seniors received tokens of paper U. S. flags, flag magnets and key chains.

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The weekend was made complete by a rousing musical tribute to America on Sunday afternoon at 1st Baptist Church South Main Street. The Chancel Choir and an orchestra performed traditional patriotic music interspersed with narrated verse, poems, and prayers.

Among the government officials in attendance and recognized were Congressman Mike McIntyre, State Senator Michael Walters, Robeson County Sheriff Kenneth Sealey, and myself. Also honored were all five branches of the military services represented by a uniformed serviceperson. It was a powerfully moving and exceptionally prepared program. A very fitting way to wrap up a great July 4th in Fairmont.

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Next Sunday an event is planned that you certainly do not want to miss. The B.B. Thompson Youth Choir is presenting a benefit concert at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at Robeson Community College in Lumberton.

All proceeds from the admission fees will go towards our Pavilion in the Pines project. If you have never attended one of this choirs’ concerts, you must do so. They are an awesomely talented and uplifting group who can raise an audience’s spirits and electrify a room. I highly recommend your attendance.

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Keep reading the Bugle for more great news of the events and activities coming your way in Fairmont. Have a safe and productive week and stay cool.

— Charles Kemp is the mayor of Fairmont.