Billy Boone was a promoter of Del Norte County who was instrumental in ensuring that Crescent City’s 4th of July parade and spectacular fireworks display would continue, and he also started the original open pit barbecue that continues to this day. According to the Crescent City American, he raised funds and organized the parade, built many prize-winning floats himself, participated in twenty eight 4th of July celebrations, and served as chairman of many Independence Day events. He came to Del Norte County in 1930 and opened William Boone Insurance and Real Estate. Boone was commander of American Legion Post 175, a charter member of the Crescent City Elks Club, a member of the VFW, and a veteran of World War I. He died in 1957 and is remembered as one of the reasons Crescent City has such a strong local Independence Day celebration.