To the Readers' Forum:
My family has celebrated the Fourth of July at Lakewood Beach for 15-plus years. Especially under the term of Mayor Caprino, the event proved to be family oriented and patriotically rooted.
One could see Mayor Caprino welcoming people and mingling with the crowd, making you feel "at home." Bands played with lyrics "kid friendly" and people stood as "God Bless America" and "I'm Proud to be an American" boomed over the mass of people.
Children learned that this holiday is all about our independence and those that served in our armed forces protecting us. Thirty-some vendors lined the street leading to the park - frolicking kids were everywhere. And, of course beautiful fireworks to cap off this evening.
Sadly, not this year. Nothing patriotic was shared with the crowd. While the music was good, lyrics such as, "get your a - - on the dance floor" reached out to all who had ears, including the children.
Call me old fashioned, but I like it the "old" way. We'll not be visiting Lakewood next year. I hear Mayville and Midway had wonderful family gatherings.
That'll be the choice from here on in.
Candace Kircher
Jamestown