Low-key Fourth of July planned for Odessa

ODESSA — Unlike past July 4 holidays that boasted parades, sporting contests and many and varied activities, the Independence Day holiday in Odessa this year will be a rather low-key affair. Nevertheless, there will be things to do for residents still striving to maintain social distancing and prevent the scourge of Covid-19 from reaching Odessa.

The Odessa Volunteer Fire Department will hold a modified version of their annual July 4 barbecue this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering their usual menu of pulled-pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad and watermelon. The lunches will be made up as folks begin arriving at a drive-up window at the Odessa Community Center. There will be no substitutions or alterations. If patrons don’t want a certain item, they can dispose of it or give it to someone else. Patrons of the event can then take their meals home or to wherever they choose to enjoy them.

To facilitate payment and speed up delivery, patrons are being asked for a donation of whatever amount they choose, the only requirement being that no change will be given. So folks are asked to please come prepared with the exact amount they wish to donate.

In addition to the barbecue, Odessa residents will have the opportunity to shop the community yard sale being held on both Friday and Saturday at the Odessa Museum. The museum will also be open for its summer season beginning on July 3 and 4 in order to accommodate the yard sale sponsored by the Old Town Hall Rejuvenation Society. The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone wishing to visit and see the newest displays set up by the Odessa Historical Society. The following weekend, the museum will be open for its regular Sunday (July 12) afternoon hours (1-3 p.m.) the rest of the summer.

The purpose of the yard sale is to help raise money for the next Old Town Hall project, the installation of a movable wall intended to replace the wall that was inserted several years ago to break up the large interior space into two separate rooms. With the movable wall, the interior can be used as either a one- or two-room space. The cost of this project will likely be in the neighborhood of $25,000. The Rejuvenators hope the yard sale will help them on their way to meeting their goal. The yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.