Like most Americans, I love to celebrate the 4th of July. It is the most American of holidays¾
much like Thanksgiving. There is something about seeing the red, white and blue on people, places and things¾including me!
much like Thanksgiving. There is something about seeing the red, white and blue on people, places and things¾including me!
And why shouldn’t we celebrate our freedom and be grateful that we live in the best country on earth?
When we were still in Buffalo, we had a tradition of having a cook-out on the 4th of July at the beach. Then we would all walk down to the beach to watch an unauthorized fireworks display (which was amazing, because New York State has a ban on the sale or possession of fireworks.) One of the great traditions we loved was the building of huge bonfires on the beach¾some were several feet tall. They fire pyres were by doused with kerosene and ignited with torches, or more creatively with M-30s¾a large firecracker.
I loved how egalitarian and how crazy this celebration was. And I even enjoyed the element of danger¾
huge fires and indiscriminate fireworks. Of course, we enjoyed all of this from the safety of a break wall located a hundred yards away from the festivities.
huge fires and indiscriminate fireworks. Of course, we enjoyed all of this from the safety of a break wall located a hundred yards away from the festivities.
Well, now I live in Florida , near Disney World. And yes, I could go to see fabulous fireworks at Disney, rubbing elbows with thousands of tourists, all of us sweaty and hoping for some relief from the heat and humidity. I am happy to pass up that opportunity .
In the past, my husband and I have gone to see a wonderful fireworks display in the city of Kissimmee. This year, we thought we would try something new. We decided to go to a very upscale community near us. We paid a hefty fee to reserve a front row table at a restaurant with a million dollar view of the fireworks.
The fireworks were spectacular and went on for a full half hour.
What wasn’t spectacular was the blaring 80’s music on the main stage which was about 200 feet from where we sat with our friends for an hour and a half waiting for the fireworks. Then we waited an hour and a half for a shuttle bus to take us back to the parking lot where our car was parked.
Next year I hope that I will celebrate another 4th of July back in Western New York, enjoying the cool summer evening with my family. And maybe, just maybe, there will be someone who “imported” fireworks and we can relive some of the best summers of our lives.
I bet you and Dan went to Celebration. We did that a few years ago and vowed we’d never do that again. We opted to watch fireworks from the comfort of our home this year! Enjoyed your writing.
Mel
You guessed, Melanie. Too many people and too few buses. The music was hideous and you’re right–the national 4th of July celbration on TV is awe inspiring.
Kathy,
I love the red white and blue just like you do.
Seeing the folks in red white and blue makes me feel good too.
Parades and marching band always added to the excitement when I was a kid.
When I was a sophomore in High School (Springville, NY) I took up the snare drum because I thought it would be the simplest instrument possible. Well it turned out that learning all those cadences ws a challenge. Anyway I marched in two patriotic parades that year.
In 2012 enjoy the fireworks in the cooler Buffalo air.
Thanks for your memories–it’s great to share a mutual background. As much as I love FL–I miss WNY. The 4th of July was always so very special there.