What do/did your Fourth of July Celebrations look like?

Growing up, I loved the Fourth of July. By and large, my favorite holiday. Honestly, it tied or maybe even surpassed Christmas. No joke! Nowadays, I can do without the fireworks and loud noises, but back then, it was the best time of the year. Not only were people happy for the warmer weather, but there was also palpable energy in the air. People were thrilled to celebrate America and all its glory in the way of BBQs, time off, and many showcases of pyrotechnics. My house was no exception.

You see, growing up I was very lucky. My family had moved to my stepdad's childhood home on the waterfront of Bremerton near Illahee State Park. There, we were blessed to own the only dock on the beachfront, alongside other State Park owned docks and marinas. This meant that our house was prime real estate for firework shows. Of course, my brothers and I were more than happy to put on said shows for the entire neighborhood during our annual Fourth of July BBQ Bash. 

Preparations generally began the week before. Prior to Independence Day antics we would go the local reservations and other fireworks stands. Where money would be spent on copious amounts of boom booms, bottle rockets, mortars, smoke bombs, firecrackers, spark fountains and more would be purchased and hoarded. Along with this, food, drinks, and other party supplies would be purchased and stored for the big event. Not to mention, the phone calls. My mother and stepdad made arrangements with family and friends to not only attend our celebration but also contribute to our fiery arsenal of freedom works!

The night before, July 3rd, the family attended a firework show in the small downtown region known as little Norway aka Poulsbo, WA. This was a great warmup for the next day's festivities. In little Norway we could explore the town's shops, parks, marina, and usually would run into friends while we waited for dusk when the main event would commence. It was wild. People would wait in the area for nearly twelve hours to watch the 30-minute fireworks show. Pretty nuts. Worth it, but still.

The next morning would start early and be filled to the brim with frantic cleaning, organizing, and you guessed it, early pre-dusk fireworks. Anything that we could enjoy during the day. Smoke bombs were our go to. Along with those Pop-It deals. While the kids finished the chores, mom and our stepdad would be cooking up a storm, preparing for the guests. We helped when directed. Mostly, however, once younger kids arrived with their families, I was put in charge of ensuring they all went home that night with all their fingers, toes, and eyebrows intact. A tough job for a teenager.

The following 12-14 hours were filled to the brim with fun and excitement. Dozens of cars would arrive, bringing three to six per vehicle. All of which would supply beverages, more food, and of course more boom sticks. The day's antics of games, exploring, eating, lighting off fireworks would come to a climax when the sun finally set around 930pm. The older kids would haul every mortar type explosive imaginable and light up the sky with a marvelous showcase seen all around the neighborhood and across the bay. Watching the entire peninsula light up around us was the true highlight. A spectacle to this day, I recall with great glee. I could literally go on for pages more, but now I want to hear your fond memories. Please share if you desire. Thanks for reading!