It was a soggy Fourth of July in parts of the Estancia Valley and East Mountains, which brought both good and bad.

The bad was that it made for wet parades in Moriarty, Estancia and Mountainair. The good part was that the risk of setting a fire was reduced significantly.

In Moriarty, the rain started just as the parade began, causing electronic equipment to be covered and cameras to be hidden under shirts until the right shot came along. It also quickened the pace. No matter though. Once the parade ended, the sun came out and hundreds of people enjoyed the festivities at City Park.

In Estancia, junior anglers took to Lake Arthur Park to compete, while country music hits sounded through the park.

Games, music and food were a staple of the day with the booster club serving Mexican food and hot, fresh corn on the cob. Kids and adults alike spent their day playing volleyball and horseshoes, and lighting off fireworks.

Meanwhile in Mountainair, no rain fell on their parade. A first for the town was a carnival complete with rides and games.

By afternoon, the heat set in and so did long lines for snow cones and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream.

The Mountainair Activity Center was bustling with people all day, lining up for grub served by the Fire Department, a dog show, greased pole climb, car show, basketball, and live music by local bands and performers.