It started with pancakes and sausage, and ended with a rubber duck race. In the middle, Beaver Creek’s annual Fourth of July celebration was an opportunity to recognize America’s independence as a nation, as well as have fun on a hot summer day. Lake Montezuma resident Verna Shafer was this year’s parade grand marshal, and 15-year-old Abigail Jensen was this year’s junior grand marshal. This year, American Legion Riders from Camp Verde's American Legion Post 93 kicked off the parade, while members of the American Legion’s Honor Guard helped post the colors following the 9 a.m. parade, which traveled south on Montezuma Avenue past Rollins Park. Following the parade, folks ae plenty of hot dogs and ice cream, listened to music and played games, won prizes and cooled off thanks to water games hosted by the Copper Canyon Fire and Medical Authority. The following is a list of winners for Beaver Creek's annual 4th of July parade:
-Best of Parade – Grace Community Lutheran Church
-Most Patriotic – Grace Community Lutheran Church
2nd place – Montezuma Rimrock Water Company
-Most Historically Accurate – Bob Feeser with his mountain man costume
2nd place – USFS with Smokey the Bear
-Most Original – The redneck 4th of July – the Cooper Kids
2nd place – Montezuma Rimrock Family Dental
-Community Service – Beaver Creek Head Start
2nd place – Beaver Creek Adult Center with their mascot Murphy
-Equestrian – Pistols and Petticoats
2nd place – Team of Willie & Keebler driven by Robert Bruce
-Small Vehicle – Beaver Creek Adult Center
2nd place Michael Gonzales.
VVN/Bill Helm