4th of July Eve

[BothellBob]

It’s 4th of July Eve in Bothell, and as I mentioned last year, while we are very much a suburban, bedroom community of Greater Seattle, tomorrow we will celebrate in the traditions of small-town America. We will bring the town to a halt and have a real parade down Main Street, lead off by the kids, pets, Seafair Pirates, bands, cheesy floats, fire trucks, restored military vehicles, Masonic groups, Knights of Columbus, Veterans, sports teams, antique and sports cars; it brings people from all the surrounding towns to relive the Americana of our youth. Again the black powder guys will dress up as British Regulars and the Colonial Minutemen and reenact the Battles of Lexington/Concord where the wooden pedestrian bridge crosses the river. (They've been doing it for over 80 years and the Minutemen have never lost.)

Come supper time, many smaller neighborhoods throw block parties, and in our cul-de-sac we will take over the street, bring out the barbeques, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and all our favorite beverages for a potluck that lasts until dark, (well, dusk, when the kids can't stand it any longer and we clear off the street for our local fireworks show; most of which was purchased at one of the nearby Indian Reservations; and yes, it is all banned by local law, but the City Police station is all of three blocks away and we haven't seen them yet. I let the kids shoot one of my muzzle loading pistols until they have had their fill (Learn and obey all the safety rules, paper wads only, of course), and the only objection I get from their parents is they want their turn, too.) Hey, if "British regulars" can discharge firearms in a crowded park in the middle of town, then why not me? It's remarkable what one can learn about one's neighbors’ firearms collections from eager six year olds. We may never discuss among ourselves what we have, but if the kids are to be believed, I suspect our small cul-de-sac could arm a small country.

I just got back from down town. I’m lucky to live but a few blocks away. A neighbor had me stake out our claim with one of those large blue tarps. I was clearing the blackberries and Scotchbroom (an invasive weed of notorious vigor) off an abandoned city lot where a few of us lay out our blankets for a good view overlooking Main Street. Nobody asked to see my environmental impact statement. My fellow townspeople are driving in and setting their lawn chairs on the sidewalk, to reserve their good place for the parade. The chairs are already lined up by the hundreds, and they will all be there in the morning. The police will not have to set a guard. The crew at the fire station will be serving free pancake breakfast starting at 8:00am. See you there!

I pray that you are as fortunate,
-BothellBob

 

[scrat]

Tomorrow just like it has been for many years. Except for one year about 4 years ago. The Screwed up city of Arcadia will do absolutely nothing. Just the way its been ever since they outlawed fireworks. I believe in 1987. So in the morning the streets will look like a work week. Not a lot of cars almost as if people are at work. When in reality people just leave town as this one BITES. All day long nothing but silence. Maybe in the afternoon a few people will be having bbq's. There was one year when my boys were throwing party snaps on the ground and pulling the strings on the little champainge bottles that go snap with a little confetti. Some NON AMERICAN person called the police. So a cruiser comes by. He gets out comes up to see if we have fireworks. Then sees the boys throwing there party snaps. then turns around and leaves. Yep thats the city of Arcadia in the Comunist state of California. Now i live in Monrovia, the next city down. Only difference is Monrovia will have a little cheesy get together in the community center.


Growing up in Arcadia i remember the days of the 4th. Other than christmas this was the greatest day on earth. With arial fireworks done for about an hour straight at the park for the whole city. Firework stands on every other corner. We all had our fireworks. We would race through lighting our fireworks after a day of games all day. a huge bbq. What a long fullfilled day. Great memories. Great Great memories. We also usually had a city carnival going on. Now today i feel almost embarassed as if i follow the city laws then i would have to leave the city with my family. Go to another city purchase the fireworks there. Then find somewhere to light them.

Just annoyed. Tomorrow i am going to a friends house with my family. Kinda sad still as i know most of the people going there including me are going because his city allows fireworks. They have arial shows they make a big deal about the 4th of july. the way its supposed to be.

 

[Sans Authoritas]

Go out and celebrate freedom, with your statutorially-mandated sparklers, and other non-flying, non-explosive fireworks. Huzzah for freedom!

-Sans Authoritas

 

[MaterDei]

Sounds like a red letter day, Bothell Bob.

btw, sorry about the Sonics (if you care).

 

[GlowinPontiac]

Go out and celebrate freedom, with your statutorially-mandated sparklers, and other non-flying, non-explosive fireworks. Huzzah for freedom

Seriously. if you think some states have draconian gun laws you should look into the fireworks laws. here we get sparklers and fountains. if the flame is too big its banned. truly pathetic. And the worst part is that they charge you ungodly amounts of money for these cheesy fireworks. go to a state where all fireworks are legal and the prices are less than half.

The only good thing is that the local police don't care about illegal fireworks unless you are trying to sell them. If they arrested everybody who set off illegal stuff bought from other states then the entire town would be in jail on the 5th!

 

[Bartkowski]

Seriously. if you think some states have draconian gun laws you should look into the fireworks laws. here we get sparklers and fountains. if the flame is too big its banned. truly pathetic.

Thats how it was in PA. And now that some more fireworks are legal, the police come because they had reports of gun shots.

 

[66912]

Hey there Bothel Bob. I am an Inglemoor grad from back in 1987. Thanks for taking me back. Great place to spend the fourth.

 

[66912]

Bothell has two "L's" by the way. I just tend to type to quickly!

 

[riceboy72]

Bothellbob ~

Right you are. I'm glad I had the chance to spend some time with my girlfriend and her daughter tonight since we both have to work tomorrow evening and will miss out on the traditional 4th of July so many know as tradition.

We had a barbecue, then had homemade pie with her mom. Went outside and lit off fireworks (they're legal in Pierce County), and tomorrow her daughter gets to go with my parents to American Lake on Fort Lewis for a carnival and a fireworks show, then camping and fishing for a few days. It doesn't get much better than that when you're a kid.

Ah, for the simple times.

Happy 4th to everyone, and thank you to THR administrators and moderators for providing a great place to discuss life and what we enjoy most. May you enjoy the same with a safe and memorable day.