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Celebrating Tradition
The annual Freedom Fest event uses over 4,000 fireworks, making them one of the biggest fireworks shows in the Central Valley. CLOVIS ROUNDUP FILE PHOTO
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The annual Clovis Freedom Fest celebration has grown and blossomed into one of the largest fireworks shows in the Central Valley. A large part of that is thanks to the Clovis Kiwanis Club, a service
organization that has ran the event for the last 21 years. “We took the Freedom Fest celebration over from the Clovis Chamber of Commerce in 1998,” said Eddie DeLeon of the Clovis Kiwanis Club and Co-Chair of Freedom Fest. “They gave it up in ‘96, the show went dark in 1997, we took it over in
The Clovis Way of Life CONTRIBUTED CITY OF CLOVIS
When Spanish missionaries arrived in the central San Joaquin Valley in 1806, they discovered the Pitkachi band of Yokuts Indians living as they had for over 5,000 years. These Native Americans lived off the land that was often described as the “Garden of Eden” due to the plentiful availability of food resources to plant, harvest, and hunt. After gold was discovered in California on Jan. 24, 1848, some 300,000 men, women and children rushed to California from all over the world. Although some of
these “forty-niners” found gold and became wealthy, most either returned home broke or were forced to find other types of work in the area. It was this second group of pioneers that formed the community that would eventually become Clovis. They brought with them the dreams and determination that helped establish the code of work and social ethics that we still call “The Clovis Way of Life.” In 1872, the pioneer family of Stephen H. Cole homesteaded 320 acres of government land in the Red Bank district (near the current corner of Shaw and DeWolf aveSee CLOVIS WAY OF LIFE, Pg. 3
1998. We have organized, contracted and done the entire show ourselves as a service club since 1998.” However, the event wasn’t always as big of a hit as it is today. After the Chamber relinquished its duties from hosting it, the Kiwanians stepped into some unfamiliar territory – and that created some
challenges. “The very first year we sat around a conference table and said, “What do we do?,” said DeLeon. “Well, we have to find a fireworks company, food vendors, facilities, etc. So, we literally just sat around, wrote down See TRADITION, Pg. 6
How Fireworks Became a Fourth of July Tradition quite a bit over the past 241 years. But the origins of fireworks go back centuries before the discovery Fireworks are a very American of America. tradition. We see them on New The earliest forms of such pyYear’s Eve, at sporting events, grad- rotechnics can be traced to a little uations, and at Disneyland. But they over 2,000 years ago in China. are especially tied to the Fourth of During the Han Dynasty, people are July. As a matter of fact, there were said to have roasted bamboo stalks fireworks at the first Independence until they would turn black and Day celebration in Philadelphia in sizzle, and the air inside the hollow 1777. Back then there were no elab- stalks would explode. “Baozhu” is a orate sparkles – no red, white, and Mandarin word for firecracker that blue stars. It was nothing more than translates directly to “exploding a few glorified (although uplifting) bamboo.” explosions in the sky. And there was Over the next 1,000 years, the only one color: orange. Clearly, fireworks have evolved See FIREWORKS, Pg. 6 CONTRIBUTED
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Freedom Fest
MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
THE PRICE OF
FREEDOM CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF INFO@CLOVISROUNDUP.COM
This Fourth of July, as Americans across the country blast triumphant flares toward the heavens to celebrate 246 years as a nation founded on freedom, many citizens—civilian and military servicemen alike—will reflect on the cost associated with maintaining that freedom we all enjoy. The price of freedom—it is a phrase we often hear, but can we as ordinary citizens even fathom the sacrifices made by our countrymen, from the founding fathers of the past to those battling wars overseas today? We may recall the date that will live in infamy, that infamous Pearl Harbor attack that brought America into World War II and the devastation that occurred on that beautiful Hawaiian naval base. We may think of our soldiers knee deep in the jungle swamps of Vietnam. And, inevitably, we remember the attacks of 9/11, which sprung our forces into action in the Middle East where many are still stationed to this day. But do we think of the infant who has yet to meet his dad? The proud mamma bear biting her nails anxiously as she watches CNN day after day? What about the aging veteran now struggling on the streets, overcome with visions in his mind that suck him back into the worst moments of war he endured all those years ago? These, also, signify the price of freedom. For Terry Baro, the mother of Jeremiah Baro, one of eight Buchanan High School graduates killed while serving in the Middle East, the price of freedom couldn’t come at a higher cost. As a Gold Star mother who paid the ultimate price of losing her son in Iraq on his second tour, the Fourth of July and other patriotic holidays mean so much more than pomp and circumstance. “It is bittersweet I suppose because I look around at many people who think of it as a day off. That makes me sad for them that they don’t understand the importance and the significance of the day, and what it truly means to their freedom. I wish more people, especially the younger generations, had more awareness of what it truly means and how truly blessed they are to be in this country with these freedoms and understand what it costs the nation as a whole … ,” Baro said. To this day, Baro and her two younger sons, who were very close to and loved their big brother dearly, still approach the day with reverence.
As a country, we are able to celebrate Fourth of July thanks to those that paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom. COURTESY OF ANDREW PONS/UNSPLASH
“Let’s remember as the American population that we are all dreamers and let’s instill in our children that they too are American dreamers. I don’t care your gender, how you identify, your faith, your color – it doesn’t matter. The fact that you are blessed with growing in this nation and have the ability to be exposed to these freedoms, you should live up to the potential and not live down to the expectations” LORENZO RIOS - CEO, CVMD Vaughan Rios, the wife of Clovis Veterans Memorial District CEO Lorenzo Rios, said she and her sons had a similar experience to Baro, always watching the news and waiting to hear from their husband and father. In addition, for Vaughan, the challenge was acting as both mom and dad. When Lorenzo could call home, she tried not to let on how stressed she was. “It is the little things that just take a toll on you and you don’t even really realize it at the time,” Vaughan said. “We have news on all the time and are constantly watching that and you don’t realize the kids aren’t just watching cartoons, these are little kids watching the news – and that is definitely a subtle thing that happens. On the one hand, when you have little kids, you are trying to keep them safe and protected and trying to make things fun. But at the same time you’re trying to be mom and dad and cheerleader and coach and all those things. That is another aspect that takes its toll. Lorenzo would call home and ask how everything was going and everything might be falling apart but as far as he is concerned, everything is great. I just tried to put a positive spin on it for
him.” Lorenzo Rios says though it’s important to always remember the sacrifices made in service to this country, he said he prefers to instead focus on the reward on the Fourth of July. “The fact that we can come together as a community and celebrate life is the greatest reward we can have because somebody is currently on the frontlines making sure that when we sleep, we’re not afraid. That is why any narrative that anyone would try to advance in our country that would have a nation concerned more about fear than to celebrate opportunity is ill informed,” he said. “This is a nation where we should be celebrating what we do have and not just lamenting what we don’t have. I think we celebrate what we do have and we work toward what we don’t have but we have a system in place.” For Rios, the price of freedom is many things—it’s the 400,000 American soldiers stationed across the nation at this moment, it’s the child who doesn’t get to see their loved one—but it’s all in defense of one magical thing: The American Dream.
“We are all dreamers; we dream the impossible dream,” Rios said. “My biggest fear is when we stop dreaming, when as a nation we are afraid to use the word dream so now it has to be a political term or classification of immigration status and no longer can you say American dream or American dreamer without associating that. That would be the worst thing we could do. Let’s remember as the American population that we are all dreamers and let’s instill in our children that they too are American dreamers. I don’t care your gender, how you identify, your faith, your color – it doesn’t matter. The fact that you are blessed with growing in this nation and have the ability to be exposed to these freedoms, you should live up to the potential and not live down to the expectations. You can either live down to local expectations or live up to God-given potential and this country is the only place where you can truly see that happen but that requires you to be willing and able to … People may call you an idealist, but I call you an American dreamer … With the price of freedom, yes there are some challenges, but this is the reward.”
Freedom Fest
MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
VETERANS MEMORIAL STADIUM - CLOVIS, CA . 3
Pet Safety Tips for 4th of July
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With crowds of unfamiliar people and loud, scary noises, the Fourth of July can make even the most laid-back, four-legged family members apprehensive and unpredictable. “Research shows that more pets are lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year and animal shelters are most crowded after the holiday, filled with lost dogs and cats,” said Aimee Gilbreath, executive director, Michelson Found Animals Foundation. “Taking steps to protect your pet can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for the whole family.” These tips can help keep your pet comfortable and secure: 1. GET IDENTIFICATION TAGS. A collar and external ID tags are quick and easy ways to identify your pet if lost, and they make him or her instantly recognizable as someone’s pet. What information you provide on the tags may vary depending on your personal security concerns, but at the very least, include a phone number. If you’re concerned about noisy dangling tags, or the tags snagging and pulling loose, choose a flat style that affixes to the fabric of the collar. 2. GET YOUR PET A MICROCHIP AND REGISTER IT. A registered microchip is one of the best ways to identify a lost pet who has slipped out of his or her collar.
However, pet owners may falsely assume that just because their pet has a microchip, they’ve taken the necessary steps. It’s critical your pet’s microchip is registered with your current contact information, and Found Animals recommends updating your contact info anytime you move or change phone numbers. If you’ve adopted your pet from a rescue or other organization, it’s important to transfer the chip registration. Register your pet’s microchip for free at found. org. 3. AVOID THE CROWDS. Avoid bringing your pooch to crowd-
ed events, parades and other gatherings with a lot of commotion or people. A combination of heat, loud noises, packed spaces and scorching blacktops can be stressful and harmful to your pet’s health. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to firework events, as they could panic and run. 4. GEAR UP WITH A LEASH AND HARNESS. Even leashtrained pets can get spooked by Fourth of July festivities. Secure pets with a well-fitting leash and collar or harness. Remember an anxious pet may slip out of a collar
L.P. Swift, C.B. Shaver and the Mussick brothers began quietly CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE acquiring thousands of acres of rich timberland in the Stephennues). His son, Clovis M. Cole, recson Creek area of Fresno County. ognized that the vast grazing land In the spring of 1891, the compawould adapt to dry grain farming. ny began constructing a dam on Eventually, the young Cole began Stephenson Creek, thus creating farming wheat on 50,000 acres Shaver Lake, then a logging pond from Centerville to Madera County several miles long. The construcand was touted by the press as the tion of a 42-mile-long flume was “Wheat King of the United States.” begun at the base of the dam. The In 1891, Marcus Pollasky arrived completion sparked a huge lumto secure a right-of-way for the in- ber industry that spilled onto the dependent San Joaquin Valley Rail- grain fields where the Clovis Rodeo road Company, which would exGrounds and Clark Intermediate tend from Fresno across the Sierra School is located today. The saw Nevada. Clovis Cole sold a portion mill employed over 200 men. A of his land to help make way for planing mill, box factory, warehousthe project. Pollasky, in turn, named es, dry kiln, offices, work-horse stathe depot in this area Clovis Stables, pastures, and cottages were tion, in his honor. built. General merchandise stores, At the same time, a group of restaurants, saloons, and other Michigan lumbermen, headed by entertainment venues followed.
All of this activity attracted more and more developers and the town grew at a tremendous pace. Seeing economic success, the town of Clovis was incorporated into a city on Feb. 27, 1912 with the original city limits defined by Sierra, Sunnyside, Barstow, and Minnewawa avenues. Over the course of the next 107 years, Clovis continued to grow. Many credit the success to the visionary Clovis Unified School District, while others point to forward-thinking local civic leaders. In reality, it’s a combination of many things that make the community of Clovis a special place. It continues to attract proud, engaged citizens who care about their families and will settle for nothing less than the well-planned, safe community that is “The Clovis Way of Life.”
Clovis Way of life
FREEDOM FEST EVENT SCHEDULE 9:00 AM: Ticket Booths Open 5:00 PM: Gates Open 5:00 PM: Food Vendors open, Activities and Kids Zone Open 5:30 PM: Entertainment Starts 9:00 PM: Firework Show Begins
GENERAL ADMISSION: $5 CHILDREN 5 & UNDER: FREE
EVENT LOCATION Veterans Memorial Stadium Buchanan High School 1560 Minnewawa Avenue Clovis, CA 93611
or repeatedly tug against a leash, so it may be necessary to take extra precautions. 5. FIT IN A WORKOUT. Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises start at night. A long run or play session during the day may help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels. 6. CREATE A SAFE SPACE INSIDE AND AWAY FROM FIREWORKS. Confining movement in dogs and cats actually has a calming effect on them. Provide your pet with a safe space, such as a cozy bed, room or crate. Also close windows and doors to minimize sound and escape routes. Another option is an anti-anxiety wrap or coat. In a pinch, if you’re away from home, you can even create one from a scarf. 7. TRY A CALMING AID. If you’re worried about a pet that stresses easily, talk to your vet in advance about CBD and anti-anxiety treats, chews, drops or other remedies that can help your pet relax. There are plenty of prescription and homeopathic solutions out there that can help your pet get the extra dose of relaxation he
FREEDOM FEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Are pop-tents and easyups allowed inside the stadium? A: Yes. Folding chairs and blankets are also permitted. Q: Can I bring my own food and beverages to the event? A: Yes, but please don’t bring glass bottles or any other glass containers. And, please do not bring alcohol. Q: Are ice chests and coolers allowed? A: Yes. Feel free to bring snacks, water, and soft drinks. Q: Do we have to pay full price for our kids? A: Kids 5-years-old and younger are free. Q: Can we bring our own fireworks to the event? A: No.
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Freedom Fest
MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
Let’s celebrate Independence Day with a coloring contest! All kids 3-12 can enter and have the chance to win a $25 SIERRA VISTA MALL GIFT CARD which can be used at all participating stores, restaurants, movie theater, and entertainment located at Sierra Vista Mall. Just be sure to drop off your finished masterpiece at any of the following locations by July 4, 2022: Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 Fourth Street, Clovis, CA 93612 Tarpey Depot Visitors Center, 399 Clovis Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612 City of Clovis Administration Office, 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612 Sierra Vista Mall Customer Service Desk, 1050 Shaw Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612 July 4 ONLY: Freedom Fest, Veterans Memorial Stadium, Buchanan High School on 1560 Minnewawa Ave. Corner of Minnewawa and Nees Avenues.
COLORING CONTEST RULES: There are four age groups: • 3 through 5-years-old • 6 through 8-years-old • 9 and 10-years-old • 11 and 12-years-old 1.
One entry per child.
2.
The deadline for submitting your entry is July 4, 2022.
3.
Winner(s) will be announced by July 12, 2022.
4.
Winner(s) does not need to be present to win.
5.
Winner (Parent/Guardian) will need to have a contact phone number to pick up prize.
CONTACT FORM:
Name: _____________________________ Age: __ Phone: (
) ___ - ______
Email: _____________________________
MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
Freedom Fest
VETERANS MEMORIAL STADIUM - CLOVIS, CA . 5
DID YOU KNOW?
Interesting facts about Independance Day
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Fourth of July is here and you know what that means: hot dogs (and the annual Hot Dog Eating contest), fireworks, lemonade, concerts, barbecues, picnics, celebrating the country’s independence. These are the traditions that are upheld every year on this national holiday. But, there are some interesting facts about the Fourth of July we may not know or think about: THE OLDEST CELEBRATIONS ARE HELD IN BRISTOL, R.I. Bristol, R.I. has been doing Independence Day celebrations since 1785. Labelled as “America’s Oldest Fourth of July Ceremony,” Bristol’s celebrations started off with a “patriotic exercise” (which meant going to church). As the festival continued to grow, the holiday’s celebrations grew into a multi-day event. The town begins its celebrations on Flag Day, June 14, and goes through Bristol’s 2.5-mile July Fourth parade. Multiple activities are included in Bristol’s celebrations, including parades, live music, and food. AMERICANS CONSUME PLENTY OF HOT DOGS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY The National Hot Dog and Sau-
sage Council states that Americans eat about 150 million hot dogs on the national holiday. This amount of hot dogs is enough to stretch from DC to Los Angeles, Calif. more than five times. PRESIDENTS AND THE FOURTH OF JULY Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826; this was 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Though, they are not the only presidents who have died on the Fourth of July. The nation’s fifth president, James Monroe, died five years later on July 4, 1831. On the contrary, one of the nation’s former leaders was born on Independence Day: Calvin Coolidge in 1872. INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE July 3 used to be a big deal in some New England areas. On Independence Day Eve, New England towns used to compete and build pyramids made of hogsheads, barrels, and casks. When the sun went down, these structures were lit to ring in the holiday. Some of the tallest bonfires were reported to have reached as many as 40 tiers; these were found in Salem, Mass. These customs were popular in the 19th and 20th centuries and are still practiced today in some New England towns. JULY 2 COULD HAVE BEEN IN-
DEPENDENCE DAY John Adams believed that July 2 was the correct day to celebrate the birth of American Independence. John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, and wrote that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. Adams wrote that celebrations should include pomp and parade, games, sports,
guns, bells,bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other. The vote for independence took place on July 2, but when the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, the Fourth became the day of celebration for the birth of American Independence.
Freedom Fest
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MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
Fireworks
By the mid-1600s, fireworks became a serious preoccupation throughout Europe. Royals even competed with one another for the best fireworks display. King James II’s firemaster was actually awarded knighthood for his impressive work. During that time, fireworks were also being introduced to the 13 colonies across the Atlantic.
If you’ve ever wondered why we celebrate Independence Day with these colorful explosions, you can thank John Adams. On July 2, 1776, two days before the Declaration of Independence was signed, he wrote in a letter to his wife, “... this day will be most memorable in the history of America … I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival … It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade … bonfires and illuminations [fireworks] … from one end of this content to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” And so it was. On July 4, 1777, the first anniversary of America’s country-hood, there were indeed fireworks, and there would be for 241 years to follow. Oh, remember that if you had been there for America’s first anniversary, you wouldn’t have seen colored fireworks. The explosions like those we see today would not be created for another 60 years when Italian inventors added in metals like strontium or barium. At long last, in the 1830s, our modern fireworks were born, and celebrations took on an entirely new light. While you watch the fireworks at Freedom Fest this Fourth of July, you will witness over 2000 years of danger, invention, and beauty wrapped into a simple package. From exploding bamboo to parcels
how to run it, but we needed to make changes,” said DeLeon. “By the fourth year, it was a major fundraiser for us because we fine-tuned it and knew exactly how to operate it.” Two decades later, the Fourth of July fireworks celebration is the largest local display of pyrotechnics. Last year’s display featured a 25-minute show with 4,600 rounds of fireworks that drew a crowd of over 10,000.
In addition to the fireworks show, Freedom Fest brings in food vendors and live music. Concession items this year include hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, french fries, and tri-tip sandwiches. The club is also working on getting a taco truck to come out. Dessert vendors will also be on hand selling shaved ice treats, cotton candy and kettle corn. “Entertainment has been part of the show since Day 1,” said DeLeon. “We have a band that comes out
and plays for us. The music starts at 6 p.m. and stops at 9 p.m. Typically, we aim for classic rock, country, not-too-hard, not-too-soft music. It’s always a local group that donates their services to us.” The year’s celebration is scheduled for July 4 at Buchanan’s Veterans Memorial Stadium. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the fireworks show set for 9 p.m. General admission is $5, and children 5 and under get in free.
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
Chinese further developed the idea of Baozhu by filling bamboo shoots with gunpowder made from saltpeter (potassium nitrate, sulfur, and carbon acquired from charcoal), and throwing them into a fire pit. Soon, steel dust or castiron shavings were added to make them sparkle. Eventually, the recipe for Chinese fireworks included the crushing of old iron pots into sand and adding the sand to gunpowder. These firecrackers were often used during New Year Festivals and weddings to scare off evil spirits. As the ingredients for gunpowder spread to the West after the Silk Road opened up trade and the Mongols made their way to Europe in the 13th century, so did fireworks. They became a part of official celebrations, from the annual Girandola fireworks display at the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome to the 1533 coronation of Anne Boleyn as Queen of England.
Tradition
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notes, brainstormed and came up with what it’s going to take.” After struggling in attendance numbers and revenue the first three years, the annual Fourth of July celebration returned to former glory in Year 4. “I’m going to tell you that in the first three years, we didn’t make a dime. I’m not saying we didn’t know
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Inaugural Clovis Leadership Summit Wednesday, July 13, 2022 • 8:30am to 12:00pm Mercedes Edwards Theater International Keynote Speaker:
“Changing the world, one child and one community at a time”
Additional Guest Speakers: Zack Follett
Overseer Kuppa Joy Coffee House
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Margaret Mims
Fresno County Sheriff
Doug Lipp
Former Head of Training at Walt Disney University & Bestselling Author
For more information contact: Events@clovischamber.com
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MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
Freedom Fest
VETERANS MEMORIAL STADIUM - CLOVIS, CA . 7
Clovis Veterans Memorial District: Serving our community since 1946
Clovis Veterans Memorial District was established in 1946 to serve as a permanent living memorial for United States military and veterans. PHOTO BY RON SUNDQUIST/CLOVIS ROUNDUP
CONTRIBUTED CLOVIS VETERANS MEMORIAL DISTRICT
At the end of World War II, a group of local businessmen decided that they would like to honor those who had returned home from the war in Europe and the Pacific. They discussed many ideas, and before long decided it would be great if they could create a living memorial that would honor all of those individuals who have defended our nation. On June 11, 1946 the idea was taken to the public who voted to establish a legislative special district, governed by the Military and Veterans code of California, charged with honoring Vet-
erans and serving the community. 72 years later, the Clovis Veterans Memorial District is the crown jewel of the Clovis community charged with serving as a permanent living memorial honoring U.S. Military and Veterans; provide facilities and support programs to promote a legacy of service for preserving the foundational ideals of our community and country. The District is comprised of five elected officials from within the legislative boundaries that coincide with the Clovis Unified School District. The Board membership is comprised of three Veteran seats and two Non-Veteran seats which are open to the public for terms of
four years. The Board of Directors have faithfully lead the District to develop into a responsive form of government that honors the community’s desire to recognize the selfless service of Veterans and preserve the ideals that have served the community so well in its development. The Clovis Veterans Memorial District has facilities located at 808 4th Street in Clovis, California, as well as memorials throughout the community to honor our past, inform the present and inspire future generations. Every year the District is instrumental in supporting activities led by Veterans Associations within the District by offering
space at no cost to them, as well as significant discounts to Community Service organizations, Clovis Unified School District, and the City of Clovis activities. Our support of these programs ensure all community partners contribute to making our community the greatest community to live in. The Clovis Veterans Memorial District is proud to sponsor programs like Freedom Fest which brings the community together to celebrate our freedom. We will continue to work with the community to make it the greatest community in which to grow up, live, work, and play, today, tomorrow and well into the future.
Dutch Bros. Coffee
Roastin’ and Rockin’ since 1992 ing the best experience and enjoy positively interacting with everyone they meet. They genuinely care “Coffee is what we do, but it’s not about every customer they see and who we are.” do their best to find solutions to any The folks at Dutch Bros. live by problem that might come their way. three main core values. One cannot Dutch Bros Coffee was founded be sacrificed for another. All must in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boerswork together in order to provide ma: brothers of Dutch descent. the best experience possible. They After three generations in the dairy may be a coffee company, but they business, government regulations are in the relationship business. pressed the family to sell the cows. SPEED What felt devastating turned out to They understand it, time travel be a blessing in disguise. isn’t real … yet. So they move quickThe bros bought a double-head ly, pour fast and serve with a sense espresso machine, threw open the of urgency to ensure that their cus- barn doors and started experimenttomers’ time is spent living life being with just 100 pounds of beans yond the drive up window. and a rockin’ stereo. They set up a QUALITY pushcart on the railroad tracks and They know their products and started passing out samples to anyhave mastered their craft. Perfectone who would brave the new brew, ing each customer’s drink, by hand, and, within a month, they knew they is the name of the game. They know had something special. the magic is in the details and strive “One of the most rewarding to give their customers a remarkthings in this change of occupation able product, each and every time was going from smelling cow mathey visit any of their stands. nure to smelling coffee,” said Dane. SERVICE “You’d open the bag, and it was like They are committed to providheaven.” CONTRIBUTED
DUTCH BROS COFFEE
Dutch Bros. serves specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, freezes, teas and energy drinks that customers can infuse with their favorite flavors. COURTESY OF DUTCH BROS. COFFEE/FACEBOOK
Today, Dutch Bros Coffee is the country’s largest, privately held drive-thru coffee company, with over 290 locations in seven states and over 7,500 employees. But growth hasn’t taken the company away from its roots. Dutch Bros still gives away drinks — now over one million each year — to further the bros.’ mission of “spreading the Dutch Luv.” The company donates over $2
million a year to its local communities and nonprofit organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, in honor of Dane, who passed away in 2009 after a fouryear battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. With its loyal customer base dubbed the “Dutch Mafia,” Dutch Bros. Coffee continues to grow, and, wherever it does, the love, donations and smiles grow also.
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Freedom Fest THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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