WEEHAWKEN, NJ. – JULY 4: The New York City skyline is seen in the distance as fireworks explode over the Hudson River during the Macy’s fireworks display July 4, 2009 in Weehawken, New Jersey. It was the first time since 2000 that the Macy’s display took place over the Hudson River and not the East River. (Photo by Yana Paskova/Getty Images)
It's the 4th of July, baby! Let's blow some stuff up! For America!
Or should we? It's 2019. Have we, as a nation, outgrown the pomp and flash and noise and smoke of the 4th of July fireworks display?
I have. I'm done with it, because it's not what it used to be. Growing up in Greenwood, I'd make my way down to the Common in Wakefield on July 4th. There was always live music on the bandstand, followed by an impressive but understated fireworks display. Very patriotic and small-town America, in the best possible way.
Nowadays, it seems like every other town is lighting off fireworks every other night, starting as early as late June and lasting throughout the summer. Not to mention your knucklehead neighbor firing off bottle rockets, Roman candles, and M-80s on a random Tuesday night at 10:30. It's not just too much of a good thing, it's downright fatiguing.
So I'm out on fireworks. And I know I'm likely in the minority, but I'd still like to put it to a vote. So let me know below. Then light fuse, get away.
