In today's picture, it looks like Vatto is receiving an award for Track. I believe he was the anchor of the Bessemer Speedboys Scheming Relay Team.

I want to let everyone in on some bad news that I just heard. I called my dad this morning and he said that the 4th of July Committee called him down at the VFW this morning to tell them to cancel any events that were planned for down there. He said that the 4th of July Committee has decided not to go forward with this year's celebration.

What he was told, is that there is not enough funding for this year's events. With the increase in prices of gas and other items they felt they couldn't hold any of the events. Also, they were lacking on volunteers, so they decided to cancel this year's events.

He was told that they are teaming with Wakefield for the parade and fireworks over Sunday Lake, but this is all that will be happening in the area this year.

Today, I would like everyone to remember the good times had at the Booby Hatch. I have just received word that there has been a fire at the Hatch and it is burning down. Thank you to Cheryl and everyone at the Hatch. HOBO has had a great time there. Our thoughts are out to you and we hope nobody was hurt in the fire.

All HOBOs and Friends of HOBO! Everyone, please leave a comment on this post telling us what time you expect to be in the greater Bessemer area. This way, we all can kind of have an idea of who will be around and when. I think we are all planning on gathering at the Booby Hatch on Friday night for the first gathering. Some people will be in town earlier and may want to do a Poker Run and we may need some help getting things ready (t-shirts, medals, etc.). Remember if you want an official HOBO t-shirt, Shankbone is designing them. Just bring your own plain white t-shirt. We'll have the iron-ons ready. When you post, leave your cell # in the comments if you'd like to be contacted. You can call me or Tim on Friday. We will probably know what's going on.

Showstoppa will be in Bessemer by 3:00 on Friday, June 30. 906 364 0508