The Brighton and Hollywood communities each gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July for the first time since the start of the pandemic at a variety of events.

The first event of the long weekend in Brighton was a community celebration July 2 that featured competitions, games, food and a kid’s carnival at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena. A basketball tournament with six competing teams was held at the gym. There was a fishing tournament at Tucker Ridge on July 3 and the festivities ended, as most Independence Day events usually do, with a concert and fireworks on July 4.

“Since we have been dealing with Covid, everyone has been in the house for a year,” said Brighton Councilman Larry Howard. “It’s good to see everyone out here enjoying the festivities. Today is a whole new day; this is the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Adult horseshoe and cornhole tournaments got the day off to a good start. Kids’ egg and watermelon races, an adult pie eating contest and tugs of war for kids and adults rounded out the day’s activities. Dinner and bingo were the evening activities. Crowds gathered to cheer each other on during the friendly competitions. Some hadn’t seen each other in more than a year.

“I’m glad we were finally able to come together,” said Brighton’s Jaryaca Baker. “It’s been especially hard on the kids. They are energetic and outgoing and they yearn for communication with their peers.”