Expecting Fireworks

The state of Massachusetts frowns on fireworks on the Fourth. The only way to see a display is to go to the Old Sturbridge Village, (which is our neighboring town) and that is by purchasing a ticket to the event.

Budget cuts will not allow firework displays in our town this year. Children will be disappointed but they'll live. We have got to trim the fat everywhere possible. That means no additional programs, if people's jobs are on the line due to budget cuts. Last evenings paper made it clear that the stimulus dollars hoped for will be stalled. We all know that means unpleasant news on the way.

Tonight's paper shows a picture of the neighboring town of Dudley, and neighbor to our town of Southbridge, Thompson, Connecticut. I have driven by the tent displaying a sign which reads "FREE" and they are also selling Fireworks. Our instinct is do not go there. Why? Tickets make good revenue for the town. As the the caption reads "Police plan checks for DUI, fireworks on Fourth." Courtesy of the Southbridge Evening News, Thursday, July 2, 2009.

The title says it all. The fact is that fireworks can be dangerous. I'm probably being redundant in saying that I still remember the fact that one year in Holland, after a wonderful chicken barbecue, one of the fireworks backfired onto the crowd and caught a ladies hair on fire. People ran screaming, everywhere!

It is no mistake that fire apparatus is present at all displays and public safety is always a concern. Years ago so many accidents happened by careless users that a public ban was placed in effect. It is no fun when people get hurt. One year my husband, John and I went to Webster and attended a display, but I was afraid to go to our car, as kids were throwing firecrackers underneath vehicles and all over the parking lot.

The fourth will soon be here. It is a time for celebration yes, but use your head. Do not drink and if you do, drive responsibly. I hear that there is much going on, like a tea party in Boston. Usually the Boston Pops perform and with the nice weather promised, it should be a great time for welcoming in the summer fun.