A Patriotic July 4th Celebration in Ritzville
Thousands of residents gathered to celebrate the American naval victory at Santiago with parades, races, and patriotic fervor.
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The Fourth came and went and Ritzville certainly did herself proud on that day. The whole program was carried out to the letter, and everyone had a thoroughly good time. From early dawn to late at night the pleasure seekers held the town in their possession. The immense crowd of about 2000 people were good-natured to the extreme. The parade was one of the finest the town has yet produced, managed by Marshal of the Day Gilson. The Rocky Coulee band provided music, and the speaker of the day, Hon. S. G. Cosgrove of Pomeroy, delivered an eloquent address that, combined with the recent news of American naval victories, left the crowd fired with patriotism. A wide variety of races were held, including horse races, bicycle races, a fat man's race, and a bun-eating contest, with prizes promptly paid by the sports committee.
“Naturally chock full of patriotism, and the news just coming of the splendid victories of the American forces at Santiago, the old soldier seemed to be on fire with patriotism.”
Local Fourth of July celebrations remain a cornerstone of Ritzville identity, mirroring the town's 1898 reliance on communal events to process national news and boost local morale. While the horse races have moved to the fairgrounds, the spirit of civic participation and patriotic displays continues to define the town's annual calendar.
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