Fireworks Story
Matthew Ryan Fischer
John Adams had the right idea, but he got the date wrong.
“Succeeding generations” did indeed celebrate “the great anniversary festival”
with “pomp and parade,” but they did it on the 4th of July, not the
2nd. History and people create their own meaning and relevance and
don’t care too much for little details like what date a resolution was approved
versus what date a few famous people may or may not have actually signed it.
But celebrations stick with a people. Most everyone likes to have a good time,
so much so, that a good holiday has a way of expanding. Because one day wasn’t
enough, many cities, with or without any knowledge of John Adams’ prediction,
began having fireworks displays on the 3rd and the 4th,
giving some history buffs hope that someday soon, the 2nd might also
receive its due.
Seaside Springs began their Independence Day celebration on the 3rd
of July. During the day there was an extravaganza at the beach. Bands and solo
musicians set up along the boardwalk and played free concerts. There were games
and prizes for kids, along with food trucks and specialty vendors and
concessions. And then there was the main event, the fireworks beginning at 9:30
pm.
Calvin was in his car, stuck in a traffic jam on his way to
Moorlands Beach. For some reason he and his friends had thought they could
leave at 8 pm and still have plenty of time to get to the beach before the
fireworks began. But traffic was slow. Traffic was always slow, but on a
holiday such as this, it was a crawl. And Calvin and his friends were always
rushing to make their plans happen. Nobody planned ahead. They were always
behind. And in typical Southern California fashion, everyone was in different
cars.
Somewhere up ahead on Ocean Park Blvd. were Linda and Lucy Meyers.
They could pass as twins, but were really two years apart in age. Calvin had
intended to suggest to Lucy that they consider commuting together, but he had
frozen up on his phone call with her earlier and failed to do so.
Somewhere on 6th Ave. Jason and his wife Clarisse and
their two children Evan and Lana were looking for a parking spot. They were
tired of being stuck in stopped traffic and the children were growing restless.
Jason and Clarisse would take their chances walking the rest of the way to the
ocean, rather than be caught sitting in the car with two unhappy campers.
David and Sheldon and Bobby had all said they were on their way,
but when traffic got bad, they ducked into a local pub and quickly forgot all
about the fireworks.
Calvin inched ahead, but noticed the parking attendant up ahead
was changing the sign at the gate to read “Lot Full.” It was over, he had
missed his opportunity.
Then a strange thing happened – all around, people were getting
out of their cars. No one was in any rush to get anywhere other than here. Calvin
put his car in park and got out as well.
Calvin was disappointed. He was so close and yet so far away. Then
his cellphone rang.
“Where are you?” It was Lucy.
“About a block from the parking lot at the beach. They just closed
everything.”
“I know. Hurry and come find me. The fireworks are about to
start.”
Lucy was right, the fireworks were about to start. Calvin made his
way through the crowd. Up ahead, Lucy looked back into the crowd. She waved her
hands in the air so she would be noticed. Up above, the first of the fireworks
celebration began.
A minute later Calvin finally saw her and hurried to her car. The
fireworks were going full force by then.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
“Sorry I’m late.”
“Look around – we’re all running late. Just relax and enjoy the
show.”
And that he did.
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