By Monty Siekerman
Flippin' over the 4th. 

That's Logan Williams, 17, doing a series of backward and forward flips on a trampoline in his backyard on West North Avenue while brother Case, 7, waits his turn.

Truth is, the 4th is a rather quiet day in Ada. There's grilling outdoors, some family gatherings, and, when the sun sets, you'll hear fireworks long into the night shot from backyards.

Ada has no extravagant fireworks display lighting up the sky in a multitude of colors. And, there is no lake for sailing, kayaking, or waterskiing.

Ada's big holiday deal is unique for a small town: a symphony orchestra performing outdoors to hundreds of people a few days before the 4th.

Now after three consecutive years of hearing the Lima Symphony Orchestra on the weekend before the 4th, Ada has carved out its own holiday tradition.

Some say the sounds of pleasant music at a patriotic pops concert beat the bang, boom, pow of fireworks in the night. With nearly all stores closed for the holiday, Main Street is virtually deserted throughout the day.

The only parade we have is the nearly constant line of cars pulling into McDonald's. But what we don't have, we make up for in a big way...a unique event and family time. Can't beat it.