Last year David and Jennie Rael’s home was all but deserted on July 4; an unusual site for the past three decades.

The family typically invites hundreds to enjoy a Fourth of July picnic and fireworks at their Cowley property. Neighbor Bob Acton said it was a little sad not to have the town alive with revelers.

“David sat at the end of his driveway lighting fireworks last year,” Acton said.

Though the Rael’s canceled their usual plans in 2022 — which started 33 years ago with a small “block” party and has grown to a Basin-wide party and fireworks display that draws thousands to the town of less than 800 residents — they were back in business Tuesday. More than 400 folks came for dinner, games for the kids, live music by noted Arizona country-western musician Harry Luge and dancing for hours. It was all followed by a massive fireworks display that lit up the chilly evening in Big Horn County.

The Raels put an entire steer and a hog on the grill, cooked by Hog Heaven BBQ owner Acton. Neighbors brought many dozens of side dishes and about 100 desserts to feed the crowd. The line snaked through the property as partiers loaded their plates with homemade salads and side dishes, cookies, pies, cakes and hotdogs, loose-meat sandwich fixin’s and steak.

Children then smashed a dozen piñatas, heavy with candy, danced with Luge and prepared for the big event — the family fireworks display. It’s one of the top patriotic arrays in the state.

Before sending the crowd out  into the night for the grand finale celebration of America’s 247th anniversary of independence, David Rael invited every veteran in attendance to the front for an introduction — proclaiming each a hero for their dedication to protect this country.

“I moved here a couple of years ago. And it sure is nice to be part of this community because it's like one big family,” said 23-year Army veteran Greg Taylor.

It takes months to plan for the event and the day of the party the Rael’s are running so fast, they hardly know which end is up.

“Jennie and I forgot to eat,” David proclaimed during a break of welcoming dozens of groups; always with a broad smile.

Like a bride and groom finishing their after-ceremony photo session, one would guess the Rael’s cheeks hurt from the excessive smiling by the time the crowd had cleared and the party was cleaned up.

“It will take quite a while to get this all cleaned up,” he said prior to heading to the launch site for the fireworks as his eyes surveyed the yard.

David and Jennie worked the crowd like skilled politicians, yet they aren’t running for office or trying to sell services or goods. There were not and there have never been kiosks on the grounds trying to do business. Their only goal seems to be communing with their fellow Americans on this special birthday party. After all, what fun is shooting off fireworks if there isn’t someone with which to share the occasion?

“It’s a blast,” he said before heading north through the city streets crowded with folks ready to see the show from every available parking spot and safe spot for lawn chairs.

At the end of the massive pyrotechnics display, the sound of folks cheering and honking their horns in appreciation echoed in the night before a line of red taillights of vehicles filled with happy merrymakers headed for home.