//Williston Independence Day Sees Big Crowds, Fireworks
The city's royalty, Miss Williston Mary Carolyn Boyer, Jr. Miss Williston Amirah Grimes, and Little Miss Williston Emery Cain were hand for the Independence Day celebration.
Latest NewsJuly 4, 2023

Williston Independence Day Sees Big Crowds, Fireworks

By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                Williston displayed its patriotic spirit Monday when thousands turned out for the annual Independence Day Parade and Fireworks.

            A thunderstorm in mid-afternoon may have discouraged a few folks from participating in the parade but it lowered the air temperature and left overcast skies that made parade-watching more comfortable.

            “It wasn’t as big a parade. I think the rain scared them off. It rained hard from about 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. It was still a big parade,” said City Council President Debra Jones.

            Towering Fireworks

            An equally large crowd filled Horseman’s Park for the big fireworks display. Bill Foster of Premier Events said the fireworks company fired six-inch shells that flew 500 to 600 feet in the air and made bigger color displays.

            He said city officials wanted to go big with the fireworks display. They wanted the fireworks to be seen easily from the park as well as surrounding areas where people watch from a distance. It met those requirements.

            Foster handles all the events at the park including entertainment, which included Fire Creek Band from Williston, Reggie Stacy from Bronson, and Adam Rountree from Ocala.

            Jones said the total cost for hiring Premier Events was about $12,500, which was a good price. In previous years, when the city handled everything, the cost of the fireworks alone was $8,500, and hiring a sound system cost $2,500, plus the city paid for the performers. Foster handled everything and recruited most of the sponsors for one price.

            Foster lives in Williston and is a member of the Williston Chamber of Commerce.

            Pageant Queens

            The 2023 pageant queens were introduced and handled their duties as reigning royalty. They are Miss Williston Mary Carolyn Boyer, the Jr. Miss Williston Amirah Grimes, and Little Miss Williston Emery Cain.

            Citizens of the Year

            The Williston Junior Woman’s Club announced two recipients of Citizen of the Year, Julie Barnett and Donna Ditmore.

            Barnett, who was described as a selfless person who always puts God in her life and has a deep devotion to the City of Williston and community, is also very active in the community.

            She is involved in the First Baptist Church of Williston. She teaches Sunday School classes, has been a part of Missions & Ministry group, Operation Children’s Christmas Box, Vacation Bible School, and more. She coordinates the care of Orange Hill Cemetery, burials, grave markers, and special services there.

            Barnett homeschools her twins, Danica and Danielle. She and the girls participate in Kirby Farms Homeschool Program and community home school groups. She is a retired Veterans Administration nurse and veterans are close to her heart.

            She was described as a truly outstanding citizen of the community and a true blessing to anyone that has had a chance to know her.
            Ditmore demonstrates exemplary service for Williston and surrounding communities.

            For the last six years or so, she has provided free clothing to many families through generous donations that are dropped off. She is the person who organizes the Clothes Closet at First Baptist Church of Williston. A team of lovely ladies assists her. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Ditmore is there sorting, organizing, and preparing the clothes closet at least 4-5 days a week and nights.

            She puts a lot of time and love into this ministry. She not only organizes twice-a-week clothes closet openings but also provides free school clothes and supplies for giveaways each year. She makes sure each child that comes to the clothes closet gets new undergarments, a backpack full of school supplies as well as gently used clothes to start their year.

            Ditmore also arranges to meet with families if they are unable to come at regular hours. She has dropped off clothes to families at their homes who did not have transportation.

            She has an ongoing connection with Hospice and the Coalition for the Homeless. She lovingly gathers bags and bags of clothing, to help these two organizations.

            On average, the walk-ins to the clothes closet, and hospice and homeless organizations, amount to about 750 tall garbage bags full of clothing given away each month.

            She was described as having a heart for serving others in need and demonstrates 100 percent exemplary service for Williston.

            Parade Winners

            The float winners for the parade were: first place Rafter Cross Cowboy Church, second place Babione Air Conditioning, and third place Girl Scout Troop 42311.

            Winners of the parade horse participants were: Best Group Rafter Cross Country Church, Delta Corkins, Best Individual Ky Lee Miller on Miss Mandy, and Most Patriotic the Mane Ladies Mounted Drill Team, Kathy Huff.

The city's royalty, Miss Williston Mary Carolyn Boyer, Jr. Miss Williston Amirah Grimes, and Little Miss Williston Emery Cain were hand for the Independence Day celebration.
The city’s royalty, Miss Williston Mary Carolyn Boyer, Jr. Miss Williston Amirah Grimes, and Little Miss Williston Emery Cain were hand for the Independence Day celebration.
A large crowd decked out in holiday colors watches the parade pass by them on Noble Avenue.
A large crowd decked out in holiday colors watches the parade pass by them on Noble Avenue.
Levy County Commissioner Desiree Mills hands out candy to children along the parade route.
Levy County Commissioner Desiree Mills hands out candy to children along the parade route.
Tax Collector Michele Langford, Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones, and Property Appraiser Jason Whistler enjoy a bird's eye view of the crowd along the parade route.
Tax Collector Michele Langford, Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones, and Property Appraiser Jason Whistler enjoy a bird’s eye view of the crowd along the parade route.
The Williston Jr. Woman's Club named Julie Barnett and Donna Ditmore as its two Citizens of the Year.
The Williston Jr. Woman’s Club named Julie Barnett and Donna Ditmore its two Citizens of the Year.
The Williston City Council with President Debra Jones and to her left, City Manager Terry Bovaird wave to the crowd.
The Williston City Council with President Debra Jones and to her left, City Manager Terry Bovaird wave to the crowd.
Members of the Williston Middle High School 2023 State Champion Boys Basketball Team take a bow for their achievement. Several members of the team passed out candy to children along the parade route.
Members of the Williston Middle High School 2023 State Champion Boys Basketball Team take a bow for their achievement. Several members of the team passed out candy to children along the parade route.
The fireworks display at Horseman's Park was loud, bright, and colorful, much to the satisfaction of the crowd.
The fireworks display at Horseman’s Park was loud, bright, and colorful, much to the satisfaction of the crowd.
Rafter Cross Cowboy Church won first place in floats. Church members wore Branded by Jesus shirts.
Rafter Cross Cowboy Church won first place in floats. Church members wore Branded by Jesus shirts.
Singer Reggie Stacy of Bronson performs at Horseman's Park.
Singer Reggie Stacy of Bronson performs at Horseman’s Park.
The Fire Creek Band from Williston entertains the crowd.
The Fire Creek Band from Williston entertains the crowd.
Led by Wendy Wilson carrying the American flag, the equestrian group, one of the crowd favorites, makes its way down Noble Ave at the tail end of the parade.
Led by Wendy Wilson carrying the American flag, the equestrian group, one of the crowd favorites, makes its way down Noble Ave at the tail end of the parade.

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Enterprise Reporting July 3, 2023; Posted July 4, 2023

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