Happy 4th and the Tradition of Fireworks
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life
- on: July 4, 2009
Did you know that fireworks are not a twentieth century invention? No. They apparently were discovered long ago. How did fireworks get started as being part of our ‘independence tradition?’ I am all about celebrating this holiday with a bang. I’m grateful to live in this country and recognize that there was a cost to our freedom of becoming our own country.
Well let me summarize it for you . . .
The beginning of pyrotechnics began almost 2,000 years ago and the invention of fireworks about 1,000. Li Tian, a chinese monk is known for inventing fireworks mixing gunpowder, sulphur, charcoal and saltpeter. There were certain ‘fire chemicals’ that were used to make loud noises for celebrations and parades already in existence. Then came Li Tian who stuffed ‘huo yao’ (the loud noise making ‘fire chemical’) into a bamboo tube with the above ingredients. Viola . . . fireworks.
The western world was introduced to gunpowder by Marco Polo or the Crusaders. Many European groups focused on gunpowder and used them for weapons while the Italians began utilizing it for pyrotechnic shows (’early firework shows’). You’ll find that many American firework/pyrotechnic companies have a line of Italian ancestry.
On July 2, 1776 the Founding Fathers finished the final drafts of the Declaration of independence. The following day John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail (love that name . . . my daughter’s name) about this wonderful moment. He shared with her that this day will be an incredible momentous day in American history and that “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Delieverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of this Continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” He also shares that “I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasures, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in the days transaction, even altho we should rue it, I trust in God we shall not.”
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence and that day is known as the ‘birthday of America’. Celebrations took place all throughout the summer of 1776 and there is legend told that artillary and cannonfire, bonfires and illuminations, firecrackers and rockets were all a part.
So there you go. Will you be celebrating the birth of America with fireworks? I’m going to give away a nice grab bag package to one of you here. Comment and share with me what your ‘birthday plans’ are today and over the weekend. If you are an international fiskateer . . . share with me what you do on your independence day.
Wishing you all a safe and wonderful 4th of July and ‘birthday celebration’.
Tona #4437 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 10:50 amWe won’t be celebrating with fireworks. We live in a heavily treed area & it’s too much of a fire hazard. My husband will be working the safety patrol with his ham radio club for a parade today.
Happy 4th of July, Cheryl!
Megan says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:10 amHappy 4th Cheryl!!
We are off to BBQ at my brother in laws this afternoon. Hubby recently changed duties at work and actually has the holiday off!! (as you know- LEOs NEVER get holidays off. lol) IT will be great fun with the family, My kids will have ALL 10 cousins to play with and DEFFINATLY fireworks!
kim3timemom #2117 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:11 amNo plans for us this year. We may go to see fireworks tonight. DS is helping photograph a wedding today. We serve at church tomorrow for the hospitality ministry so I need to run to the grocery store and get snacks for that..plus bake a few goodies for the table. Happy Independence Day Everyon!
jennifer w says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:14 amHappy 4th, today is also our anniversary…so we will always have fireworks. We may set some off tonight but it is a typical day for us otherwise.
kimberlee #2494 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:14 amThe kids made patriotic tie dye shirts and we’re going to a parking lot to watch the fireworks with other families and eat hot dogs and popcorn.
Sonia Pitts says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:19 amWe will be BBQ’ing, letting the kids swim, play and just have a great time! Tonight we’ll be watching fireworks and setting off a few of our own at home.
Have a wonderful and safe 4th!
maryannehoekman says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:20 amHappy 4th of July to everyone!!
Today I am going to work a bit and then off to see at least part of a parade, and then to a craft fair.
Then more work this afternoon.
The neighbors actually had fireworks last night so was neat to watch!
Thanks for sharing the history of fireworks!
Have a wonderful day all!
erin yamabe says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:25 amwe’re visiting with family at my parents’ house.
the girls, my mom and i will be decorating- making some colorful pinwheels, cards, and all whatever they think of. our favorite tools are the fiskars border punches, and the big heart one is my older dd’s favorite. there’s fireworks locally here in their town, so after a day at the pool, we’ll be enjoying those.
happy 4th everyone!
hugs and blessings,
erin
Jennifer says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:33 amThanks for sharing this bit of history w/us!! We are going to our neighbors to celebrate..not sure if there will be fireworks at their house, but I’m hoping to see some in the sky in our development
Yesterday, my children made birthday cards for America! Something they do each year and I will always cherish them knowing they will grow up loving this country as much as I do!
Happy and Safe 4th of July!!
Judy says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:42 amI’m visiting with friends in San Clemente. We will go to a cliff beach area overlooking the ocean to watch the sunset, then municipal fireworks in San Clemente to our left and Dana Point to the right. I’ve participated in neighborhood block parties for many years but am skipping this year in favor of spectacular fireworks. Happy Independence Day to all. When we say it that way it gives us pause to think of the freedom we so take for granted. And, peace and safety to our troups in Iraq and Afghanistan of which my grandson (in a bit safer Iraq thank God)is one. May they feel the freedom today and come home safely.
Alison Snow says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:48 amWe celebrate Canada Day on July 1st by attending a friend’s annual Canada Day party.
Merlene #1166 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:59 amThanks for sharing Cheryl. Have a wonderful day!
Peg #3675 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:11 pmWe went to some fireworks last night. We were so close to where they were lighting them we were being showed with ash. Some of them still a little warm. Lol It was fun though and they were beautiful. Today and tomorrow we are spending quiet time at home just the 3 of us which rarely ever happens so that is making this holiday really nice. It’s raining and cool here today but that’s ok, too, because we are still together, happy and healthy on this July 4th holiday.
Julie O. says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pmMy kiddos are all gone this weekend. It’s so strange to me but our church kids’ camp for our district was scheduled for this weekend. It’s so quiet. I don’t like it! LOL!! We will have our own little ’street’ corner celebration when they get back.
Happy 4th my friend!
Michelle 3624 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:20 pmThat was sweet post a good reminder. . . we actually were just staying home with the puppy but the neighbors asked us over so we will go there to BBQ and enjoy some good company.
Jane Hasty says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:23 pmHappy Fourth Cheryl! We spent yesterday at the dunes, today and tomorrow with famliy by the pool BBQ-ing! Hope you have a fun filled weekend too! Jane
Debby 2852 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pmI’m celebrating with Hot Dogs! My family this year is here there and everywhere. So my Bailey and I will sit on the back porch this evening and watch the fireworks and I’ll have sparklers!
Happy 4th and thank for a peek into History.
Veronica Noechel says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:28 pmWe’re having our Britsh Apology Dinner, making a vegan version of “The Full English” (see a pic of a previous version in my gallery). After all, we won. Why not extend an olive branch?
Laurie R. says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:41 pmWe will be celebrating with family. So a happy and relaxing day. Hope you all have a fun safe holiday.
Lorene H says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pmI love every holiday, cuz that means I am spending it with family! we are having a BBQ this afternoon then in the evening watching the fireworks. I just love watching my young grandchildren look up in awe at the beautiful fireworks.
thanks for the chance cheryl!
Lorene H
Deanna says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pmWe have a 4th of July tradition, a barbecue with family and friends and then we sit along our street and all the neighbors take turns lighting off their fireworks. Always a fun time.
Melissa S. says:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:09 pmWe usually go to the country club where they have a professional display. We get to sit back and enjoy. Not a huge show, but not as crowded as some of the other shows either. Inside the city limits it is illegal to shoot off firecrackers, etc that you can buy at the fireworks stands so that’s fine with us. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th.
Michelle #915 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:13 pmI’ve just finished making 2 batches of home made red potato salad and decorated rice crispie treats. Both are for happenings all weekend.
Today at 3:30pm we head over to my friend Kimbers house (fellow fiskateer) for a bbq and backyard water fun, then home to catch fireworks over by Grand park.
Sunday the girls in my scrapbook group are coming over for crafting fun, hot dogs, roasted corn and other yummy’s!
Scrapfreak1 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:26 pmFamily… good food… and a grandma who is turning 68 … so we celebrate both of them.. LOL.. sparklers, roman candles.. pretty up the night sky.. I LOVE THE 4th.. simple living.
Nathalie says:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:27 pmHappy Fourth of July to you too, Cheryl, and to all our Fisk-a-teer friends. I’ll be celebrating with my family and wonderful neighbors with a cook-out and pool party. This means a lot to me because I am a naturalized American, having grown up a as neighbor to the US in Canada. I came here in ‘93 after marrying my DH, and it has been home to me since. I appreciate the freedom that this day means. Not because I was oppressed in Canada– far from it, but I was before my family escaped oppression in 1965 and I had the great luck and joy of growing up and livng in a free land.
So today, I rejoice in the freedom and rights that are mine as an American, with my neighbors and my family. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Candy M says:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:30 pmWe’re taking a quick break from our festivities so our youngest can sneak in a little nap.
We’re spending the day at a park with our church family and friends and are maxing and relaxing. We’ll have a BBQ supper later and then stay for the fireworks.
Annie #1326 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:48 pmWe’re heading out around 4pm to the lake for some fun festivities and later fireworks. DH Took Ds to see Transformers (Their guy day). I did some baking and hanging out with oldest DD. young DD is out with some friends - a farwell party for one of her best friends. Regroup here at home and then off we go.
Have a happy and safe holiday everyone!!!
Tifany #5942 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:08 pmWe are lucky enough to live close-ish to the fairgrounds so we can sit out on our driveway and watch the fireworks over the tree tops! This year we’ll be having some folks from church over for red, white, and blue dessert (vanilla ice cream, with blueberries and strawberries) while we wait for the fireworks to start.
Happy 4th!
Lois says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:09 pmCheryl, one of my daughters lives in Tennessee, I’m in Michigan. The other daughter is going with her family up north to the inlaws, so my husband and I will be celebrating here with our two Yorkies. Grillinhg steaks and trying to sooth my little Yorkie girl as she really doesn’t like all the fireworks. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th in this wonderful country we live in. Happy Birthday United States of America!!!!!
sandyh50 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:12 pmOur town celebrates with community fireworks that they raise money for all year long! My DH is working today so it will be a quiet 4th for me until the big show tonight! Have a great day and thanks for sharing your post today, it was very inspirational.
sandy 4165
April C. says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:34 pmWe are going to a friends house, fellow Boy Scouters, and going to celebrate with all of our Boy Scout families. No fireworks here though we live in Florida and apparently there is a ban on them by FL statute only sparklers are allowed.
Then later me and my husband will drop the kids off with Grandma and hopefully go see a movie tonight not sure which one yet though.
Happy 4th of July everyone and Cheryl too
Jeannie #5377 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:45 pmThank You Cheryl! May Freedom ring! We had a wonderful firework show last night, thanks to my son, and good food thanks to his wife! Today we went to the largest parade in WV, in our small hometown of Ripley WV! Had a wonderful day! Happy fourth of July to you and your family!
Cyndi says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:50 pmHappy 4th of July to you Cheryl and your family. I love the info on fireworks. Sometimes we overlook the history. We will probably go over to Veterans Park in Yorba Linda for the show. We try to catch something for the kids to enjoy. Have a happy day!
Jenn says:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:06 pmtoday,like every year, we enjoy the freedom of going to an annual get together with many friends and celebrating their little girls bday at the same time…tomorrow another little guys bday…FUN! way to get together and boy r we lucky!
Kristin in OH #2764 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:23 pmSo proud to be an American! Today we will be going to watch fireworks, and then tomorrow we have a family swimming party at my aunt’s home. Fun…fun…fun…
Nicole #5909 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:26 pmWe go to my grandparents and usually barbecue and we get our own fireworks and let them off for everyone rather than fighting the traffic to go see them downtown. I love it, it’s so much fun! Happy 4th of July all!
Catherine (#2249) says:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:40 pmHappy 4th Cheryl - thanks for the lesson. Nice to know what stands behind some of the traditions we have. Today is also an annual crafting day - time to spend doing something with the kids. We previously made t-shirts, but this year is recycle art! Enjoy.
Edith Vest says:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:54 pmThanks for sharing with us the tradition of Fireworks. We won’t be buying any fireworks, we will watch in surrrounding areas and see the displays if we can. I hope your 4th is wonderful!!
Ceci #4092 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 4:01 pmI am spending the 1st 4th of July with my grandson who is 19 months. My husband will be cooking outside & we will probably do some swimming and have all the kids over + friends.We might also go see fireworks someplace since it isn’t allowed in our state, too hot & dry for them. We will have a great time enjoying our freedom & be thankful to our soldiers who aren’t here with their families. Have a wonderful 4th of July!
vicki in MD says:
July 4th, 2009 at 4:35 pmThis was my youngest brother’s favorite holiday so I always think of him at this time. Unfortunately he is no longer with us, but I will be enjoying then and thinking of fond memeories of him - right from our front porch.
Sherri says:
July 4th, 2009 at 4:38 pmWe usually go to a 4th of July Celebration that’s put on by our township. It’s very festive with decorations, food, music and of course fireworks! Not sure if we’ll be going tonight cause it’s raining like crazy!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for it to clear up!
Happy 4th Cheryl!
Pam Hoffman says:
July 4th, 2009 at 5:07 pmThanks for all the history Cheryl!
We’re having people here for a party and we will grill outside, and share other dishes, potluck style. It is an annual tradition (and a very good excuse to clean the house more thoroughly than usual!
.
I’ve been preparing for 2 weeks with the cleaning, homemade potato salad, brownies and carrot & celery nibbles.
We really enjoy friends we’ve known for many years.
The HIGHLIGHT is sitting on the back patio overlooking the view with Saddleback Mountain in the north. From our location, we can SEE between 5 and 12 separate fireworks displays. The better the air, the more we can see.
Tonight may be good and clear, which is more fun because we can see more community displays.
It’s always a good time though.
On Sunday, I go to a crop at Michelle’s.
Enjoy YOUR holiday too Cheryl!
Pam Hoffman
http://seminarlist.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/PamHoffman
Angela Vance says:
July 4th, 2009 at 5:43 pmI went to a Christian singles picnic. Now I am going to the Sanford fire works which are awesome as they synchronize them to the major radio station’s 20 minute patriotic medley who sponsors them.
Faye Warriner says:
July 4th, 2009 at 5:45 pmQuiet day, but will go out to dinner and off to see the fireworks.
I love fireworks
Cuttlebug Queen says:
July 4th, 2009 at 5:51 pmHappy 4th of July, Cheryl. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Chrisitne C says:
July 4th, 2009 at 6:03 pmOn our version of the 4th of July we usually head off to the beach for a picnic and a spot of fishing.
Its in the middle of summer so a great time of year for enjoying what New Zealand has to offer.
NanaBeth #2906 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 6:59 pmWe go en masse to the movies. When the boys were younger we would than go to the fireworks. I remember the first year none of them wanted to see the fireworks, I cried. Another parenting right of passage.
I do have to comment that as a first generation American, both of my parents came here via Ellis Island, this holiday is especially sweet to me. I was raised with a fervent appreciation for this country and the promise we all have the opportunity to take part in.
Holly M says:
July 4th, 2009 at 8:43 pmMy plans for this extended weekend:
We had the family cookout today.
Tomorrow I plan to exercies my freedom of choice and do what ever I feel like to enjoy the Beautiful July weather.
wanda #5068 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 9:08 pmThis time last year my son was serving a tour in Iraq. Today he is working long hours protecting our Capitol. Thank you for the reminder that freedom comes at a great cost. God Bless America! Growing up, the 4th was second only to Christmas in our house. My family still likes to celebrate the 4th with a “big bang”!
Tami B. (804) says:
July 4th, 2009 at 9:19 pmWe cooked out this afternoon and it was so yummy. Will head down to the lake a bit later to watch the fireworks display. It’s just not the 4th without fireworks. I was in Austria once on the 4th of July and it was a weird to be abroad on an american holiday.
kim says:
July 4th, 2009 at 9:20 pmOur holiday is spent by spending a couple of hours with the family at a barbeque, my oldest sister and her husband are in town from MD. We don’t get a chance to see/talk often. Then at night the DD spends with her bf and i usually cuddle in bed and watch the firework specials on tv. I’m not one for crowds with my anxiety and the parking isn’t worth our 20 min. firework display.
Tran says:
July 4th, 2009 at 10:28 pmWell… I typically celebrate it at my boyfriend’s house. We would eat food then have a nice game of horseshoe. But this weekend, I will be busy working on a research paper due this coming Friday. DOH!
Kriss Cramer says:
July 4th, 2009 at 10:29 pmWhat a beautiful day here in PA. Today we went for a drive in Amish County, grilled outdoors for dinner, and went to friends’ house for sparklers for the kids and to watch some local fireworks. A wonderful Independence Day! I hope it was the same for the rest of the Fiskateer family.
Patty 2832 says:
July 4th, 2009 at 10:37 pmWe’ve had a bit of an untraditional holiday ! We never travel the roads much during holidays..but all of yesterday we were out on a day trip thru Amish Country and one of our state parks. Got home late last night, got up this morning, fiddled around quite a bit and hit the road this afternoon! Traveled to another one of our great state parks north of us this time ! And then on up to Erie, PA, hit a few stores and then headed west then south towards home! Watched fireworks from the highway starting about 9:30, got into our neighborhood around 10:15 and happened to see more fireworks going off over the lake , so we parked and watched those !
Whew…home now, watching the RACE !
Oh..for dinner we had the …
ALL AMERICAN McDONALDS !!
Stephanie T. says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:12 pmI went with my Mom to a celebration at the HOA Clubhouse for lunch, then we had hamburgers for dinner. In the afternoon I worked on an art piece for a class and tonight I will contemplate on my decisions. You see, I read a story about Samuel Adams: He went to the governor of Massachusetts and demanded that the British soldiers be removed as they were abusing the people, the governor ignored this. The Governor was changed and Governor Gage took over, he sent Colonel Fenton to speck to Samuel Adams on his behalf, he offered a bribe to Samuel Adams if he would stop doing what he was currently doing (working on the colonists Committee of Correspondence). However, if he persisted, the crown would consider his actions treasonous. The punishment for which was death by hanging. Samuel was faced with a decision, and he had no time to think about his answer. He held in his mind a purpose that was greater than his own life:freedom for the colonies. Samuel replied, ” You may tell Governor Gage that I trust I have long since made my peace with the King of Kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country. And, tell Governor Gage, it is the advice of Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an exasperated people.” And of course the revolution began.
My decisions are not anywhere near as momentous as were Samuel Adams’ but I can take the high road whenever possible, and I need to think deeply on this!
Love and Hugs,
Stephanie
This story is a true one, I learned of it from Ro Paxman.
Kerri_fiskateer_1017 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 4:28 amAs the 4th of July,isn’t celebrated here in New Zealand….we just wait til guy fawkes day which is on Nov.4th. but fingers crossed to all that enter & *wishes cheryl a happy 4th July* from NZ xxxx love the lesson of the fireworks & would love to share anything won with my croppy buddies !
Granna Deanna says:
July 5th, 2009 at 5:06 amWe barbequed in the backyard and watched the town fireworks from our front yard. My brother’s birthday is also the 4th so we also usually call him. We are a military family so this day is especially significant to us (even more so when we celebrated it overseas).
Debra #5116 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 7:15 amWE are actually staying home and just going to enjoy are family. We will be cooking out and getting in the pool and then Church on Sunday and more of the same. Usually we run all weekend so this is a nice change.
Ruby # 4618 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 9:34 amWe had a great 4th of July. My husband cooked BBQ porkchops on the grill and my daughter bought fireworks! After our own little fireworks show we completed our celebration with ice cream.
Lisa Simpson says:
July 5th, 2009 at 10:28 amWE CELEBRATED LAST NIGHT,YES,DURING
THE RAIN,MY HUBBY BOUGHT FIREWORKS
JUST FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO SIT AND WATCH,THE EXPRESSION ON HER FACE WAS PRICELESS.HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA…
Maxine Hodges says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:48 pmIt was raining so we celebrated with light sticks for my 2 grandsons. Plus, it is safe for little guys. I cooked all day for the family. Fried chicken, potato salad, fresh green beans, corn on the cob and cantalope. For dessert we made homemade banana ice cream (crank style).
I am so proud to be an American. The military could never be thanked enough for the freedoms that allow us to live the lives we do. Happy Birthday America!
Suzi #5563 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pmMay God bless America! As a country, we need His blessing more than ever!
Linda #4949 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 3:56 pmWe had a cookout yesterday for family and friends. Finally had a decent day weather-wise although all the yard work and set-up had to be done at the last moment because we’ve had so much rain. Poor DH had to do most of it himself as I was busy with the shopping, cooking and baking. Everything came together though and we had a great day! We even indulged in a water fight with the grandchildren…LOL Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!!
Debbie #4668 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 5:42 pmHappy 4th of July.
Here in Canada we celebrated our day on July 1st. It was cloudy and overcast but the fireworks still went on. We were also celebrating it the weekend before at the cottage with a live band and fireworks nearby.
Enjoy your day!
kathy s says:
July 5th, 2009 at 5:55 pmGreat info Cheryl - i’m from Australia and we celebrate Australia Day - Our Anniversary/Birthday -in January usually with a BBQ and Family get together although Hubby and I are always on call cause we’re firefighters and thats our Summer so we sometimes have to leave our own party.
Patty 2262 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 8:37 pmWe set up on the top of a hill and watched out city fireworks surrounded by all of friends. Since most of us have no family in the area…we are each others families. I had a wonderful time and I can’t wait to scrap about it.
RobinV #4844 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 8:52 pmHappy 4th of July Cheryl
I had a wonderful time at a family bar-b-que yesterday and today I volunteered at the animal shelter. It feels so rewarding to know that I have found a good home for the kitties.
Krafty Wahine #395 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 10:26 pmmy son’s boy scout troop has 2 booths at the community celebration selling BBQ corn, pizza, drinks and flashing, blinking pims and toys. we get to see everyone in the community and watch a fabulous fireworks show.
i hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th.
aloha, anita
Bethie #269 says:
July 5th, 2009 at 11:25 pmwell, we decided to do something different this year. we spent the moening at wild rivers. took a little break at home so my grand daughters daddy could pick her up. then headed back to wild rivers. we played till 8pm. showered and dressed then headed over to enjoy a picnic, the symphony and fireworks at the verizon amphetheater. it ended up being a lovely day.
Amanda #1485 says:
July 6th, 2009 at 12:55 amI’m not American but I have plenty of reason for making July the 4th a special day every year. We’ll be celebrating our 5th anniversary on the 4th this year! Hope you all have a wonderful day. I know I loved it.
Rhonda #5614 says:
July 6th, 2009 at 2:14 pmIt was just my dh and I and my daughter’s golden retriever that we’re sitting. I made a nice potato salad and grilled strip steaks and later we went to the UB Amherst campus for the wonderful fireworks display they’ve had for the last several years. It was spectacular again. More people too this time. I also finished up a lss patriotic/July swap l/o earlier in the day. It was a nice day weather wise too, though quite chilly in the evening. Glad I brought a blanket to the fireworks!
Kierstin Sykes says:
July 6th, 2009 at 2:42 pmWe celebrated with some friends…a pool party and BBQ. We finished the evening with some poppers and smores. It was relaxing and fun.
Quinette Frazee says:
July 6th, 2009 at 5:32 pmWe had a wonderful 4th…my brother’s bday is on the 3rd so we got the whole family together and celbrated with a cookout. Then on the 4th we went to my best friends and had a wonderful time…Boo Hoo the rain took us home though…no fireworks on the 4th but we still had a great time with family and friends and that is what matters the most
Heidi Y (#1841) says:
July 6th, 2009 at 10:52 pmOutdoor Fun, Chasing Fireworks, and Lighting Sparklers
We had a wonderful 4th! Hope you did, too!!