Small Town - Colorful Fall Decorations

Our small town of Ripley, WV gets into the fall and Halloween spirit this time of year when local organizations decorate the lamp posts.

Yesterday I took a few pictures along the streets of Ripley. I didn't get pics of all of them, but I took enough to get you into the spirit of the season, too.

This little fella sits on one of the side streets.

This scared ghost is near the steps of our courthouse.

I like this one. Looks like a witch had a bad day. In the background you can see one of the little libraries which are located throughout Jackson County.

Are you in the fall spirit now after walking around town with me?

I hope so.

Happy 4th of July

I would like to wish you happy 4th of July on the 3rd.

Here in Ripley, we are celebrating today.

I got up early, dug our first red potatoes from our garden and made potato salad to go with our hot dogs and hamburgers.

Went to Ripley to watch the parade. Kind of a family ritual, I guess. The entire town and more visits Ripley on the 4th of July.

Happy 4th from me. . .


my husband, Charley. . .


our mayor. . .


our congresswoman. . .


Ronald McDonald. . .


and, I don't know who these guys are, but they look like they are enjoying themselves.


and we have to fly the colors of WVU. . .



Happy 4th...and God Bless the USA!

Happy 4th of July from Ripley!

BTP or Before the Parade.

My son picked these beautiful red raspberries yesterday at an undisclosed place along a railroad track. . . aren't they the prettiest red berries you ever did see!


I just had to use them to make a patriotic red cobbler for the 4th. . .



Here's the finished product that we will enjoy when we get back from the parade. I used the same recipe as I use when I make my blackberry cobbler. Click here for the recipe. The one I used is the first cobbler recipe on that page.


Ripley is known to have the best small town 4th of July celebration in the country! It dates back to the 1800's and has been featured on NBC's Today show and President Bush chose Ripley as the place to celebrate Independence Day in 2002. They come from every hill and holler in the county to see the parade, ride the rides, hear the free concerts, and just enjoy the day and celebrate our country's birthday. There's also a large flea market nearby and the annual Mountain State Arts and Craft Fair at nearby Cedar Lakes.


This year's Parade Marshall was the Ripley High School girl's softball team. They won the state championship this year.


And don't you just love antique cars. We have lots of them in the parade.



Pretty red tractors. . .




and pretty red firetrucks with kids riding on top.


It wouldn't be the 4th without a Mountaineer shooting his rifle.


My brother in law loves to ride his 1BAD78 in the parade.


I don't know what these things are. Do You?


And I love the horses!


Isn't this a cute one. It got past me before I could get a picture of it.


We came home and enjoyed hot dogs, home made potato salad and my cobbler. We've got watermelon waiting for us in the cooler. And tonight we will go to the Court House and listen to Kathy Mattea sing and then watch the fireworks.

Hope you have a Happy 4th of July.

Thanks for visiting with me for our little celebration here in Ripley, WV.