Fourth in the Forest
Posted: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Every Fourth of July our town pulls out all the stops and puts on a pig roast' bar-b-que cook out and fireworks display in the city park ( Craighead Forest ). The fireworks can be seen for miles around-I know, because I have missed the last two years, but have sat behind our shop and watched the fire works go up over the trees from our backyard ten miles away.
The danger of fireworks is the reason that my husband and I have always taken our kids and grandkids to public displays where someone else sets off the fireworks at a safe distance away. We get to see the beautifully remarkable lights and colorful images without being exposed to the dangers. I remember many beautiful sights when our children were young and we lived in Dallas . We would drive up on the highest over-pass and park on the side along with hundreds of other vehicles and watch the fireworks set off by the fire departments in safe areas far below. I always found it strange how they could shape an American flag with all its Stars and Stripes or the huge Lone Star emblem from bits of colored lights.
Our Fourth in the Forest is a scaled down version of what we saw in Dallas , but even so, it is wonderful and safe entertainment for our children as well as the adults. We sit on one side of the lake and the fireworks are set off on the other. As they reflect from the lake water, it is a treat beyond description. Some fireworks are even designed to glow under the water (hopefully this isn't harmful to the fish) and really is a wonderful sight. It is a perfect ending to a perfect day of stuffing ourselves with bar-b-qued pork, beef, and all the fixings!
This year again, my husband and I will probably stay home and watch the fireworks from our backyard after having our own cookout. The kids will continue the tradition of going into town to the park and get the close-up view that we enjoyed when we were younger, while my husband and I sit in our more comfortable chairs and hold hands as the evening gives way to darkness and the sky begins to light up with its first explosions of Celebration.
Happy Fourth of July to Everyone at SearchWarp and beyond.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)...Smile... It appears to be family oriented to me. Now you have me looking forward to it. Happy 4th Sandra, you and the family. Do not forget to mail me half of the pig...smile...ClarenceI doubt there'll be any left overs, so if you want any, you'll have to be here and get in line! But, enjoy yourself, wherever you are and have a happy 4th.Oh, and welcome to searchwarp, Clarence.Sandra
Sounds like a Norman Rockwell painting. What a wonderful picture I have in my mind now. Think I'll pull out the grill.Thanks Sandra.DeborahSounds good to me, Deborah. I can hardly wait--especially since I'll be getting to see my little grandson again.Thanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
Sandra, such a great, descriptive article. We also take our kids to the large display. Not only is it safer, but it's much more entertaining than a couple of roman candle and a handful of bottle rockets!That's right, Rob---safer and much more entertaining.Thanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
What a wonderful tradition you have, Sandra.A very nice read.Thanks, Ken. Glad you enjoyed it.Sandra
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