The Rodriguez brothers, it would appear, have established a family dynasty of Bristol Fourth of July Button Contest winners.
For the third time in the competition’s 28-year history, La …
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The Rodriguez brothers, it would appear, have established a family dynasty of Bristol Fourth of July Button Contest winners.
For the third time in the competition’s 28-year history, La Salle Academy junior Hunter Rodriguez was crowned this year’s Button Contest winner for the 234th Fourth of July celebration.
“I was very surprised to have won,” said Hunter, whose last time claiming the prize was back in 2012.
Hunter’s design, inspired by Bristol landmarks such as the downtown clocks and Burnside Building statue, as well as the American flags waving annually overhead on Hope Street and the Mt. Hope Bridge, beat out 148 other entries — including his twin brother Forest, the overall winner of the contest for three years running.
“My brother and I do have an ongoing competition,” Hunter said. “Since next year is our last year, it could potentially be the tie-breaker.”
In addition to claiming the overall win, Hunter was also named this year’s Grade 9 to 12 category winner.
Taking home the prize in the kindergarten to Grade 5 category was Miya Decastro, a fifth-grade student at Colt Andrews Elementary School; while Kickemuit eighth-grade student Evan Daniel snatched the title in the Grade 6 to 8 category.
All three winners will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to ride in this year’s parade.
Watching how both Hunter and Forest have pursued — and succeeded — in their artistic endeavors has been a treat for both she and her husband, said their mother, Suzanne.
“The boys will always be a part of the history of the Bristol Fourth of July Parade,” she said. “That’s a real honor.”