GOOD HOPE, Ala. – Visitors and residents of Good Hope were treated Saturday night to an Independence Day ceremony and fireworks show, hosted by the Branded by Christ Cowboy Church and held at Good Hope Municipal Park.
Those gathered in the park in anticipation of the fireworks show stayed inside or near their cars, being mindful of others and maintaining proper social distancing, while members of the church made their way through the crowd on horseback and posed for pictures before the show began.
Andrew Prussell was there with his horse, Pistol, and shared, “Not everybody in the church rides. We have events for everyone. We do kayaking and camp and do all kinds of events to bring people in and know the Lord.”
The ceremony began as the sun was setting and members of the church, on horseback, circled the park presenting the flags of the United States and State of Alabama and Christian Flag. The Star-Spangled Banner was played as the horses and their riders looked down on the crowd gathered at the park for the festivities. Behind the horses were two fire engines from the Good Hope Fire Department, hoisting a giant American flag between them.
After the national anthem, the horses made their way down to the cheering spectators and then made one last loop around the park. As the eight horses galloped down the hill for the final stretch, with the flags held high, Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” hit its chorus and the crowd erupted with cheers and applause. The scene was an emotional one and a bit unexpected to many who were there.
After some words from the pastor, fireworks began illuminating the sky over the park. The 20-minute show and impressive finale went off without any issues.
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