As you well know, yesterday was the day in which we celebrated winning our independence from British rule. Many families spend the day picnicking, having cookouts, etc. followed by fireworks. There’s nothing better than celebrating our independence by blowing shit up. Seriously, I love fireworks. I had come come across articles and had heard in the news that due to the economy being in the toilet, many small towns were unable to put on fireworks displays. I know some see fireworks as the equivalent of taking a lit match to money. Granted, after the fireworks are over, there’s not much other than empty casings left behind. However, the event itself can leave a lasting memory for many who flock to see the fireworks. Besides, I think there’s a bit of symbolism wrapped into shooting fireworks. No, I’m not talking about the part about how we rely on the Chinese to enjoy this activity (fireworks come from China), just like we rely on them to continue our standard of living since a lot of stuff is made in China.
I count myself to be pretty fortunate because I have two major cities to choose from to watch fireworks, Baltimore and D.C. My choice normally comes down to who I’m hanging out with to see them in the first place. Usually, D.C. usually is the winner. Granted there is a bit of security and the traffic or metro can be a hassle for most. For me it’s not that big of a deal, because I have it worked down to a science and I always get a good spot. However, I’m not sharing that part because then it won’t be so hassle-free for me. I know a lot of people show up to the National Mall early on the 4th to take in the music and to get a good spot to put out their blankets. There are also food venders inside the security checkpoints for those who don’t bring their own with them.
If you turn to your local PBS station, you can see the D.C. fireworks live every 4th of July. However, I strongly suggest that if you ever have the opportunity to see them in person, you should check it out. Granted, the National Mall is full of tourists during that time and the temperature isn’t always as nice as it was yesterday (low 80s). However, the Smithsonian Museums do have a little thing I like to call air-conditioning. The other time of year that I suggest to experience in D.C. is during the Cherry Blossom Festival in early April. Unless you hate trees. But seriously, who hates trees? (a bunch of big-business names just popped in my head.)
Filed under: Droppings | Tagged: Independence Day, fireworks
We went to DC in June ’07 and it was 96 degrees and humid as all hell. Spent most of the time in the museums because of that air conditioning thing.
Still, we made our teens walk from monument to monument one day. One monument short and about 5 PM, teen boy (14 at the time) sat down on a curb and said, “I am hungry, thirsty, and tired. I am not walking one more step unless it is towards a cab or bus that will take us to a restaurnant.”
After a wonderful and expensive meal at Jaleo (?), we walked to the capitol right after sunset. Very nice.
Next trip I want to go Cherry Blossom time.
Pseudo-
The humidity coupled with the heat can be a huge detractor and I am one of those folks who is prone to heat sickness. That’s part of the reason why I have gotten there closer to fireworks time when it starts to get dark. I also always carry a bottle of water with me. Last night was probably the best weather I’ve been in to see the fireworks for about four years.
Cherry Blossom time is wonderful. Chances are that you will experience some rain if you stay in town for a few days. However, the temps are a bit milder, which makes the walk around the basin to be quite pleasant.
Normally I do avoid the National Mall area during the high tourist times and stick to my regular haunts, but the two peak times can’t keep me away from experiencing two wonderful events that I feel every American should have the opportunity to see for themselves.
I was in DC once for July 4th, and it was 107! Needless to say, the fireworks were just about the only thing that got us to go outside.
I hope I can afford to bring my family one day. I went a few times as a kid, and I have vivid memories of those trips!
Cherry blossoms sound good! We watched the fireworks in DC on TV and it was incredible! Monterey decided to forgo them this year due to budget constraints…we did our own in the backyard, but wowed the grandgirls never the less!!!! Hope you all had a great time…I was feeling patriotic for the first time in a while!