For many decades Independence Day was a time for communities to come together and have a good time.

The town of Harrison was incorporated in March 1876.  In celebration, city fathers planned a grand event for the Fourth of July which, that year, fell on the Centennial of the nation’s founding.  Over 3,000 folks listened to bands, picnicked, heard a reading of the Declaration of Independence and other patriotic speeches, and watched fireworks.

A joust was held at the race track.  Men riding horses and holding pointed sticks raced towards posts that held rings suspended by wire.  The winner was the first to spear the ring with his stick.  First prize was $20.