We asked local and area high school coaches how they plan to spend the Independence holiday this season with regards to it being the 250th anniversary. Here are their responses:
"We usually take a small trip on the 4th. We shut football down for a few days and we head to the mountains (my oldest son lives in Atlanta) or head to the beach. This year my family is going on a family cruise. It is the last time I really get away from football. Once we return it's all about preparing for a long football season." ---Franklinton football coach Nick Saltaformaggio
"Growing up, my ideal Fourth of July was playing baseball under a sky lit up by fireworks-just like in The Sandlot. Now, as a father, husband, and head coach, the Fourth of July represents everything I love about America: family, baseball, and summertime traditions. This year will look a little different. With my wife, Katelyn, expecting our first son, we'll be keeping things simple-a waterslide for my daughters Fallon and Farrah, great barbecue, and quality time together as a family. Most importantly, we will be taking time to thank God for His many blessings and reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in this great country. I love our country! For me, the Fourth of July is about faith, family, and gratitude-the values that make America special."
---Franklinton baseball coach Clay Tageant
"We actually just celebrated Juneteenth yesterday, which is an important holiday for many families, including mine. As for Independence Day, I don't have any specific plans for the Fourth of July this year, and we aren't doing anything extra related to the nation's 250th anniversary."
---Franklinton girls basketball coach JaMya Mingo-Young
"Most years family and friends come over and get in the pool. We grill burgers and go see fireworks that night."
---Pine football coach Bradley Seal
"We usually celebrate Independence Day by spending time with family, enjoying good food, and watching fireworks. This year will be no different, enjoying the company of family, laughter, and memories!"
---Varnado football coach Vonta Owens
"We are always surrounded by family on Independence Day whether we take a big family vacation somewhere or do something at home. It will always include a lot of food and just hanging out with one another. Now a days we don't get to do that a lot so we truly value that that is a day we do something like that."
---Bens Ford football coach Destin Pittman
"Nothing beats the Fourth of July on the Tickfaw River with family and friends, fireworks, and great food. Throughout the week we will be out on the boat, swimming, fishing, checking crab pots, add great food, and making memories with the people who matter most. We'll celebrate family, and the lifestyle we are blessed to enjoy. Thankful for the Freedom we get to enjoy being an American. Looking forward to the week of fun with the Grandbabies, family and friends."
---Ponchatoula football coach Scott Shaffett
"My family on my mother's side has a yearly family reunion that we have been celebrating 51 years running, so we will be doing that this 4th. Along with fireworks/ good food and plenty of aquatic fun with our young family members! Our family reunion was started 1975 and it spans my mother's 13 brothers/sisters with locations of the reunion taking place in Mississippi, Illinois, Texas, California, The Carolinas and Louisiana. This year we will be in Louisiana. It's a 3 day event where my family comes from all over and we catch up/ fellowship/ laugh and enjoy each other!! I look forward to this every summer and out of all of my mother's brothers/sisters she is the last at 86 years of age! This means everything to her as well as she is the matriarch of our family."
---Amite football coach Zephaniah Powell
"For the 4th we go to my wife's family's camp on False River and will fish, swim, eat burgers, then ride the river on the party barge and swim some more, very chill and relaxing day that's a ton of fun for the kids especially when they're tubing."
---Denham Springs football coach Brett Beard
"Celebrate with family & Friends. Just enjoying everything America has to offer and the opportunities to be the best you can be daily. Thank God for our Independence Day. Thankful July 4, 1776 Congratulations 250th!"
---Tylertown football coach Osborne Holmes
