The Fireworks - a Critique

 

We went to the fireworks last night. We went rather early (around 8:00) because we wanted to get a nice spot and listen to the band. In addition the kids were rather antsy and it seemed better to be on the move than to hear the question "Is it time to go?" one more time.

After securing a premium location on the hill, we realized that even though we could clearly see the band, we could only hear intermittent music and sounds. (I don't know, something about acoustics and sound waves and that we were at a 90-degree angle from the grandstand.) Since we had plenty of time, my son and I walked down the hill and sat down in front of the band. We heard some excellent Big Band Era music. I wondered if my son enjoyed the band and music and he answered me with "Kinda."

We returned to our perch on the hill after some time and begin our vigil. An occasional test rocket took off but the firework show had not begun. We were entertained by an impromptu gymnastic show down on the field. Another test rocket was launched and the crowd cheered in anticipation of the fireworks. But nothing else - NADA- appeared in dark sky above.

The crowd was so hungry for fireworks that any amateur bottle rocket, finger firecrackers, even sparklers set them cheering and applauding.

It now seemed that something was amiss, since it was way past the scheduled starting time. People were chanting, "We want fireworks." Many were muttering to themselves. People were leaving.

We discussed leaving but without any official announcement to the contrary, I was certain that the fireworks would eventually go off.

Just when it appeared that we would also leave, the first rocket shot off. It was a beautiful beginning (more like the flourish reserved for firework finale). Red, green, blue rockets. Long floating weeping trails of light. Loud explosions. And so the show began.

I am sucker for fireworks. I remember the excitement I felt and magic of the fireworks when I was a child.

When it was over, I asked my daughter if she was glad we waited. She said" Yeah, they were so great!"

Oh yeah.

 

 

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