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The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Over the years, this annual celebration of nationhood centers around community and freedom.
In the early years of Grand County before radio, television and now the internet, barn dances were hosted by ranching families for the community. The barns were usually empty before the summer harvest.
Dancing would go on all night because the roads were too dangerous to travel in a buggy or wagon pulled by horses or mules. There were no paved roads, no street lights or battery-operated headlights.
These joyful dances provided a sense of community after the isolation of the harsh Grand County winters. The music was provided by “early DJs,” whose day job was probably ranching or blacksmithing.
The songs “Turkey-in-the-Straw” and “Virginia Reel” were popular tunes.
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