Flags flew high in Steen this week as residents prepared to celebrate the Fourth of July.I asked a young boy at summer REC last weekend what his favorite holiday was and he eagerly told me it was the Fourth of July!I guess when I sit back and think about it, the Fourth ranks up there pretty high with other holidays. Sure, you don’t get gifts per se, but it’s a nice little break in the midst of summer that gives most of us time to enjoy the little things in life.This past weekend a couple hundred people poured into Steen for the special Fourth of July celebration hosted by the Steen Reformed Church.The SRC choir led a special service titled "America, We Must Not Forget," followed by a time of fellowship with ice cream and lemonade, and then to top the night’s festivities, a fireworks display took place on the back lawn. It was a special evening and enjoyed by all.Many Steen residents were out of town for the Fourth, enjoying time with family and taking advantage of the days off work.Some attended the Fourth of July fast-pitch tournament in Hills. Steen played at 12:30, but I have not received any final scores on that yet. Friday night they played Carmel in Sioux Center. It was a nail biter but Steen pulled away with a victory 8-7.This past week Brian Dengler served as chaplain at Inspiration Hills. It was a great time and a lovely week. Julie Ortenblad from Willmar, Minn., stayed with Melody during the week to make sure she stayed on bedrest.On Tuesday Mildred Keunen and Jo Aykens traveled to Sioux Center to meet nieces Beth and Ginger who traveled up from Sioux City to have lunch with them at Casey’s Bakery and to do a little shopping.Beth Sakurai (Bonnema) is back in the Steen area for a few weeks. She is visiting family and friends. On Thursday Beth, Mildred, Bertha and Jo visited Minnie Bonnema at the Tuff Home. They also helped lead the Hymn Sing at the home.On Friday Beth and Mildred went to Chit Chat’s for lunch after having coffee with Arnold and Jane Bonnema, and then they went to visit Uncle Bill Bosch at the Mary Jane Brown Home. They played bingo and had a great time.Showers seemed to be a big thing this past weekend as friends and family threw Susan Fick a bridal shower at the Steen Reformed Church, and then on Saturday morning there was an open house bridal shower for Shanna Tilstra. Saturday, July 8, there will be an open house bridal shower for Stacy Elbers.On Saturday Mike Bonnema turned the big 50. His family helped him celebrate by taking him out to eat at the Royal Fork in Sioux Falls. They had a wonderful time.In Church news:The Steen Reformed Church would like to thank all those who came to the Fourth of July celebration and would like to invite everyone back for the Steen Block Party being held July 14 starting at 5 p.m. There will be a hog roast, games and entertainment for all.A reminder that Summer REC is held every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. All kids through eigth-grade are invited to join in on the fun! That’s all for this week. If you have any news you would like placed in the Steen news please contact Brian at 855-2232 or at knowgrowshow@hotmail.com. Blessings!