Fireworks

July 4th always takes me back to my childhood and the many fireworks displays and parades I've endured. I remember very clearly several such torture sessions with my family but I don't want to share the bad memories. I did ask my wife what her favorite fireworks show ever was. Mine had to be when I was in JH or HS with my family when we went down to the point to see how the big city does fireworks. I have to admit I was a bit nervous at all the people and how we'd escape once the final boom light up the night sky but I don't remember any of that. Any of the anxious feelings I must have been feeling at that time. I only remember the good. I remember sitting in lawn chairs we had carried several miles (I'm sure). I remember the symphony playing several classics including the 1812 Overture. I also remember WDVE (local rock station) playing classic American tunes as well. The coolest thing though was the fireworks were insync with the music. Including the live performance of the 1812 Overture. It was utterly fantastic and something I will always remember. Even now 20 years later I remember it like yesterday (well maybe more like I remember last week which is a little fuzzy but not 20 years fuzzy).

The last several years we've gone all the way to our driveway for a fireworks show. Now, there's no symphony or local radio station playing insync with the fireworks but they are really good. We have a neighbor who either has a connection or spends way too much money on fireworks for our culdesac. I'm just saying it lasts for at least an hour. And it's not like every 5 minutes. It's several per minute.

This year we got to spend the Fourth with my in-laws and future brother-in-law in Winston-Salem (which locals, at least transported locals call just Winston). We went to a local park near an elementary school and a YMCA and spent the twilight hours watching fireworks. About 20 minutes worth and again no symphony or local radio station but it was a solid show.

I also asked my wife what her worst fireworks experience was. I know mine right off the bat. I don't have to even think about it. Morning Sun, Iowa with my family when we were visiting my grandparents and other relatives. It was literally 5-8 minutes worth of the smallest fireworks you've ever seen. But it's another moment in my life I won't soon forget. And it was more like 25 years ago.

I hope whatever type of fireworks you were able to experience you had fun and created a memory. Happy 4th!!