“While I couldn’t be there physically, there was still plenty I could do from a hospital bed — managing social media, helping with background planning and staying involved in the decision-making process,” Larsen said.

Committee members found ways to keep Larsen included throughout her recovery. While she was staying at Jennifer Lowman’s home, they moved a planning meeting there so Larsen could participate. After Larsen returned home, Gerald Shroyer built ramps that allowed her to attend the final planning meeting at Fellowship Hall in the United Methodist Church.

“Every step of the way, people found ways to adapt instead of letting my injury become a barrier,” Larsen said.

During the week leading up to the celebration, Larsen focused on social media, sharing updates, building excitement and issuing lighthearted challenges intended to recruit volunteers.

Early Saturday, she posted that volunteers were already setting up in the park and asked others to join them.

“The crew is in the park and ready to roll,” Larsen wrote. “Let’s do what Weston does best and rally together to make today something special.”

The volunteers soon encountered the day’s second major obstacle: rain.

As showers moved through the area, Larsen initially encouraged residents not to abandon the celebration. Free hot dogs and pie were available, games remained open and children’s activities continued.

“Don’t let a few sprinkles fool you,” she wrote. “We’re still going strong in the park.”

Photographs shared with the post showed wet sidewalks, umbrellas and visitors gathering beneath tents while activities continued around the park.

Larsen remained in constant communication with committee members throughout the day so she could update the public as weather conditions changed.

The steady rain and eventual storms reduced attendance and forced organizers to close park activities earlier than planned. The dunk tank was among the attractions cut short.

“Mother Nature certainly didn’t make things easy,” Larsen said. “The steady rain and eventual storms reduced attendance for many of the park activities, but those who came still had a wonderful time and spoke highly of the event.”

In a later social media update, organizers thanked those who attended and volunteered despite the conditions.

“Mother Nature just wasn’t on our side today,” the post said. “It still takes a village, and Weston showed up in all the best ways.”

Although the afternoon activities ended early, organizers said the street dance remained scheduled for 6 p.m. and the fireworks display was still planned for dusk.

Pie contest returns

One tradition that survived the rain was the community pie-baking contest, which returned after an absence of about five years.

Weston Mayor Kim Kirby, who organized the contest, said pie baking seemed especially appropriate for the holiday.

“We felt like that was very Americana, to have a pie-baking contest,” Kirby said.

Six pies were entered, and bakers could submit any variety rather than compete within separate categories. The contest awarded $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Visitors also could sample “pie flights” consisting of small portions from three entries.

Molly McClung won first place with a blueberry-gooseberry pie. John Gray placed second with a pecan pie, and Celia Hewitson received third place for her apple pie.

The winning pie also attracted particular attention from the judges. They praised its flaky crust and said the blueberries helped balance the tartness of the gooseberries.

Judge Hayley Crawford Hill said the unusually small gooseberries appeared to have been freshly picked. She said she had not expected to encounter fresh gooseberries among the entries.

The judging panel included Crawford Hill of Hayley’s Eatery, Kathleen O’Malley of Tin Kitchen and Lisa Scott of Avalon Cafe.

Kirby said the three were selected because of their experience with baking, desserts and Weston restaurants. Crawford Hill studied baking and desserts, O’Malley has prepared desserts using her mother’s recipes, and Scott is associated with the desserts and cheesecakes served at Avalon Cafe.

Crawford Hill said judging was fun, although she joked that the most difficult part was wondering whether any of her friends had entered the contest.

The best part, she said, was “eating all the delicious pie and seeing everyone’s creativity.”

The judges considered appearance, color, texture and taste. They also paid close attention to the quality of the crusts and the balance of the fillings.

The six entries included fruit, nut and double-crust pies, with no duplicate flavors. One judge said the variety made the contest more interesting. The judges also noted that cream pies may be difficult to transport and serve safely during an outdoor Fourth of July celebration.

Kirby said organizers hope to make the contest an annual tradition and encouraged more bakers to participate next year.

Patriotic porches recognized

The celebration also included a porch decorating contest recognizing residents who brought patriotic color to neighborhoods across Weston.

Megan Hendrix won first place, Anne Harris placed second and Doug Blunt received third place.

Organizers thanked the residents who decorated, baked, volunteered and participated, saying the decorated porches helped make the town feel festive for the holiday.

Fireworks provide the finale

The day did not unfold as organizers had envisioned. Larsen’s injury changed how the event was managed, and the rain shortened the afternoon schedule.

Still, volunteers continued working in the park while Larsen helped coordinate from a distance. Some activities ended early, while others — including the revived pie contest — continued.

“What made this year’s celebration possible was, without question, the people behind it,” Larsen said.

Larsen said she had helped with Weston’s Fourth of July celebration for several years and had always been impressed by the community’s support. This year, however, she experienced that support more personally as committee members adjusted their plans to keep her involved.

By evening, attention shifted from the rain clouds to the sky above Weston. The fireworks display went forward without problems, giving the celebration the finale organizers and volunteers had worked throughout the day to preserve.

“Watching the committee adapt, include me and make sure my injury didn’t keep me from contributing reminded me that this celebration has always been about more than a single event,” Larsen said. “It’s about neighbors coming together to support one another.”