Fireworks for the Fourth

Yesterday evening, Don and I went to a private fireworks display in our local community. We were told about it the day before and we were assured it would be fine if we attended. Apparently the event was canceled last year on account of the unusual heat and dryness; but this year's rains made conditions much safer.

We didn't know anyone there, and since it was on private property, we felt somewhat like party crashers.  But there was a great deal of bonhomie at the gathering, with about 100 people of all ages ranging from babies to the elderly. It was everything you could ask for in a small-town Independence Day celebration: Kids running around squirting each other with squirt guns and lobbing water balloons (Don and I got splashed by a few of these), glow-stick necklaces and bracelets worn by children and adults alike, toddlers having their diapers changed in the back of cars, a few skinned knees. 

Here is a sampling of the fireworks:

While there was still daylight, several teams of adults tried their hand at a patriotic beanbag toss. The competition was spirited.

When it got too dark for beanbags and water balloons, the kids got to play with sparklers. Some preliminary ground fireworks were lit.

Then everyone was invited to pull up their chairs and enjoy the real show. And – wow. Just wow. These were Big Serious Fireworks, almost literally overhead. (If we attend this event next year, I'm bringing ear plugs!)

The beauty went on and on, with the display lasting at least 30 minutes and perhaps longer – an amazing thing for a private fireworks show.

Or, as one man put it with great if profane enthusiasm, "These are the best [bleepity-beep] fireworks in the county!"

Can't argue with him there.