community. in fire(works).

fireworks are on my mind. sparklers. smoke bombs. and fountains. the fourth of july is simply not the same without these things. and without parties for the whole city. festivals where a population comes together. regardless of income, color, sexuality, belief. all enjoying the outdoors. and all enjoying this country we call home. and most importantly… watching magnificent explosions of color in the night sky.

and it saddens me to think that this joyous occasion will not be celebrated in this community-type way this year across a vast majority of the state of texas.

the grave danger of this drought is not lost on me. and i understand the importance of the burn ban that is in effect. but there is a piece of me that truly feels it is wrong that so many cities have canceled their fourth of july celebrations. (call me crazy).

and i realize that in essence, the cities have not canceled the entirety of the festivities… merely the fireworks show. but because of the fireworks cancellations, numerous organizations have felt that it is not economical for them to continue to participate in the festivities, as most people enjoy the overall atmosphere as a build-up to the end of the night fireworks.

overall, the question i ponder is if due to the cancellation of the city fireworks displays, the general population will then take things into their own hands… creating their own colorful displays. and is this not more dangerous with a burn ban in effect? would it not be a better decision for the community to provide the entertainment (and to be prepared with emergency crews on the ground) than for you or me to light our own fire…

the fourth of july is supposed to be joyous. filled with color. sparking our patriotism. igniting our belief in the society we live within. it is about coming together… and i fear that with the absence of the festival, the absence of the fireworks display… this will be lost on this fourth of july.

(banned) fireworks will still be lit. barbeque will still be eaten. alcohol will still be consumed. and friends will still come together. but the community will not come together as one.