What started as a small neighborhood block party 40 years ago in Cowley has now turned into a large shindig with live music, an immense potluck dinner and a fireworks display for the public that rivals shows in the region’s largest cities. Hundreds of people have come to know David and Jennie Rael as their Independence Day hosts willing to deliver smiles to the entire Big Horn Basin community.

The party takes months to plan in their beautiful Cowley backyard, typically starting in December to line up the fireworks display and musical act. By June the Rael family is in full-blown panic mode and by Fourth of July, despite the chaos that may precede the party, they cherish time with their family and friends, old and new.

Jennie looks forward to a few short moments during the party when she can go to her sunroom and sit to take in the fun from a distance.

“Every July Fourth, at some point, I find myself in the sunroom looking out at everyone and watching families and friends making memories,” she said. “No matter how hard it’s been to get to that point, or how tired we are or how things haven’t gone like we wanted them to, at that point it’s all worth it.”

When pressed, David said the reason for it all is to pay it forward for the support they and their employees have found in Wyoming.

“It’s gratitude for the love and support the community gives us,” he said. “After seeing all the smiles during the block parties, it just grew and grew.”

David and Jennie own and operate S&L Industrial, a construction company employing hundreds of area residents.

“If somebody asked me to count my blessings, I wouldn’t know where to start. Life’s been good and God has been good.” he said.

The party will start at 5:30 p.m. with a good old-fashioned potluck with hamburgers and hotdogs provided on the grill and soft drinks in the cooler at their home, 241 N. 1st St. East. Those attending are asked to bring salads, side dishes and desserts for the party of hundreds spread out on a series of tables about 60-feet long. The effort can be summed up in one word: Yum!

After dinner, Arizona country musician Harry Luge will step on the stage to perform his vast list of covers and original music. A husband and proud father of three, Luge strives to create a unique sound of his own, one that tells a story full of truth, hurt and hope.  

Throughout his career, which started at the age of 5 singing with Dick van Dyke during a March of Dimes telethon, Luge has had the honor of opening shows for many of his idols and biggest inspirations, including Merle Haggard, Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers Band, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Chris Ledoux, Neal McCoy, Martina McBride and Montgomery Gentry.  

“I did not grow up in a home with musical influences, but I know now that God blessed my life with the stories to tell and the opportunities for me to learn,” Luge said.

“He gets the kids dancing,” David said of his performances in Cowley.

Jennie and David have also been know to cut a rug when the music starts. David emcees the party, taking time every year to honor the military veterans and active duty service members in attendance, as well as offering children a chance to break piñatas.

For the grand finale, Caleb and Joshua Sanders will provide a thrilling, choreographed fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. that promises to light up the skies. Folks from across the region will line the tiny town’s streets and roadways to view the patriotic spectacle, often provided by friends Chris and Miria Good. However, the schedule didn’t work out this year for the families.

The Sanders family and crew are known for spectacular fireworks displays including the Byron Days celebration and shows across the region. This year’s show will feature an app so you can listen to the choreographed show remotely.

This year the show will be broadcast on the Pyrocast app, using the code ZH82. It’s a free app that will allow those not close enough to the display to hear the music to feel like they’re next to the speakers.

“We want the music and display to be meaningful,” Jennie said — the couple selects the music.

The show always starts with a simulation of a 21-gun salute; a nod to veterans and active duty service members, Jennie said. David never passes up a chance to talk to a veteran or service member, “wherever we are,” she said.

Sometimes it’s ended up in a pretty good discussion. A lot of friends are made that way,” she said. “Sometimes they act shocked David starts to talk to them. And sometimes the conversation ends in tears. None of us would have what we have without the people who sacrificed.”

She said the couple have always felt blessed to live in the U.S. and have made a commitment to always celebrate its birthday.

“America is our home and it’s the best place to be,” she said.

While David, former president of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, is known for his broad smiles and loving handshakes for every new friend he meets, there are few times you will see him more excited than when the fireworks show begins. He’s a kid at heart and it shows when the pyrotechnics begin.

“This year we’re gonna have the best show we’ve ever had,” he said excitedly.

The event is family friendly and alcohol-free.