The Grimes 4th of July: true Americana.

GRIMES, CA (MPG) - As you work your way over the Meridian Bridge down Highway 20 towards Colusa, you’ll approach a left turn off the highway that says “Grimes.” Take that turn and you’ll truly find yourself immersed in farm country.

Winding through the country roads towards Grimes, there’s a heartland feel with every cornfield, hay field, and vegetable crop you pass - all in different states of the agriculture cycle. Even in the midst of this Independence Day holiday, farmers could still be seen hard at work riding their tractors, tending to their fields, and checking irrigation pumps along the canal.

Pulling into town and parking in the shade of grain silos, a small town Fourth of July celebration was starting to take shape. An energetic buzz fills the air as residents and vendors chatter, selling their goods and painting the picture of small-town America. The parade in Grimes, population of about 350, comes alive with the patriotic spirit of American Independence.

 A patriotic old-fashioned horse and buggy was a treat for parade goers.

Walking down to the start of the parade, one can expect smiles and a hearty handshake from the parade organizer. At the head stands the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) carrying the Colors of America as the National Anthem begins to play.

The parade then begins to move through the crowd followed by the Grand Marshal riding in the back of a boat and local children and families on bikes leading the way.

But the true highlight was the stream of vintage World War II vehicles and those representing different eras and branches of the Armed Services. Each one was adorned with flags and carried a crew of smiling veterans waving to a crowd of families and friends. Young children wave back, holding their own flags, as the adults stand tall with their hats off in respect.

 A half-track dubbed the "Widow Maker" was just one of the military vehicles that rolled down the parade route.

The parade made two loops along its route, giving everyone a chance to see and experience this great American small-town tradition. Things seemed like they couldn’t get any better until a group of local Ag Helicopter performed a flyover sending ripples of hoots and hollers through the crowd.

As the parade ended, I made my way back downtown reflecting on how our Founding Fathers were also farmers, businessmen, and average everyday men and women united in the cause of freedom. I pondered this some more over a helping of homemade ice cream, courtesy of the Grimes Ladies Relief Society, and some sodas from a couple local kids.

 Members of the local VFW Post 2441 provide the color guard, opening the parade.

Before heading back home, I took the last five dollars out of my wallet and bought a jar of honey from a couple of young ladies who said this was their first sale of the day. As I dropped my jar of honey into my camera bag, I looked back to see the two young ladies and their mother blessing that five-dollar bill and was nearly moved to tears.

Selling what your hands have helped make and celebrating with your friends, family, and neighbors: this is the spirit of small-town America, a spirit that is still alive and well.

The fabric of America is made up of these small towns. Towns that turn into cities, counties and the states that make up the America we know today. So, when the Fourth of July comes around next year, this reporter urges you to get out and experience some American patriotism in your hometown. Who knows what you might discover?