I actually saw about half of the parade today. I just felt like standing/sitting outside for awhile and chatting with some people. It was alright. The weather was OK, but not perfect. I haven’t seen a 4th of July parade in Racine for years, but what I saw was respectable. Except for the politicians early on. I was gonna yell something out, but then thought better of it. I did see the plane flying with the anti-Doyle, Mason & Lehman message. (http://news.racinepost.com/2009/07/mason-lehman-opponents-take-to-air.html) There weren’t a lot of gorgeous floats, and it seemed like there were some large gaps occasionally, but it was not bad for a town on a lake in the middle of the rustbelt, in the middle of a recession.
The fireworks I have passed on for decades. The scene at North Beach gets way too crowded and intense for my liking. I’ve been listening to the police scanner as I write this, 10 PMish. The men and women in blue are working their butts off tonight, and not just at the lakefront. Lots and lots of calls about people partying too loud or rowdy. Lots of calls about illegal fireworks and firecrackers. I’m content to sit home and listen to it in the distance.
Anyone else go?
Saw the fireworks at Laguana Nigel.
ReplyDeleteWent to a parade in Arcadia, FL with a friend. I had a wonderful time in this little, tiny town.
ReplyDeleteFireworks...oh there were plenty around here. In fact, a friend had to bunk out here cuz where he lives the stuff was so loud, it sounded like he was in an ammo depot. He has PTSD from 'Nam. Poor guy.... First time I had seen the reaction. Scary.
Went to the parade. Stayed for about half of it. The floats were minimal for sure. The recession was evident. The best one I saw was by Johnson Wax. It slipped by and it seemed no one even noticed. I was sad that the Kilties were so far down the list. I saw them on cable when I got home, but it isn't the same.
ReplyDeleteI was moved to tears once again by the veterans and the cheers from the crowd... Our freedom and country is what the holiday is all about.
I saw the planes too. I get the dissatisfaction, but the holiday is supposed to be positive... I didn't feel that was the proper venue.
Saw 2 adult males duke it out on the street and had to be forcefully pulled apart. WTF? Great role model guys.
Things just started feeling a little creepy, too much alcohol in folks who don't know how to handle it... it was time to leave. What a shame... the parade should be a family orientated thing.
Went to the Sturtevant fireworks, secret viewing spot. No crowds. Didn't attempt the Racine ones. Too many guns, too many idiots in this city.
I watched the parade on TV and of course missed (their fault) the four items I was interested in. Very poor coverage and no connection between the announcers. Sat home and listened to the fireworks around my apartment. They must have been great..so many.
ReplyDeletedid not go to the parade, haven't gone in years, i agree with the drunks that take away the fun. My sister lives on Main St so when we go again, it will be to her house for front row seats. Fireworks,watched on TV< not bugs or mosquitos
ReplyDeletewe did have a nice picnic at the inlaws yesterday and today a party with my uncle for his anniversary. This week ahead is crazy but after that it all slows down to a happy pace
ReplyDeleteWas up in the north woods of Wisconsin enjoying the complete quiet, saw fireworks up there. Was good to get the hell outta dodge for a few days
ReplyDeleteDidn't get to the parade down here but did try to go to the fireworks. Unfortunately mother nature decided to give us a whopper of a storm so everything was postponed. So I guess we'll go see them Friday night.
ReplyDeleteWe did get to see some on tv; well until the cable went out. All in all, a good three day weekend.
Hey sorry I have been so absent.. it's been a crazy week getting prepared for the rest for some more Swedes to make their way to Racine for my husbands, brothers wedding that will be taking place in just a couple of weeks..
ReplyDeleteI got to both the parade and fireworks.. do that every time I can.. I like it, it's a great asset.. I guess I'm just too used to not really getting those big festivities in Sweden...
I really disliked the negative ads flying through the air.. agree with it or not it's not the time to be flying that around. as kk said it should be a positive thing, a celebration. As for the alcohol I am one of those who just can understand how a beer can taste good at 9 a.m. but thats just me.. I am by no way anti drinking I just cant understand how one starts so early.
As for the fireworks we go down to the marina.. by the old Docks restaurant.. I really like it there.. great seats, it's getting a little more crowded, seems like in the past there were a lot less people there, guess others are getting tired of putting up with the beach antics..
As a whole I am very pleased with the 4th festivities around in Racine, it's such a definition of summer at home in Racine. I really do love this city.
As I am sitting here I can hear some fireworks going off.. is that Meadowbrook?? I know they usually do theirs on another night other than the 4th.. ah well..
Mina loved the fireworks.. it's great seeing the joy in her eyes.. I got a bit choked up watching my daughter sitting on the curb at the parade and I would think back to my father bringing me there as a child.. getting a bit nostalgic I guess..
Anyways I think my tea is done and my husband is waiting for me.. think we are going to watch WallE or whatever it's called..
take it easy.. probably wont be around too much these next couple of weeks with everyone here and wedding festivities to be had.. take it easy.. happy 4th..
I saw a quite a few advertising planes along the beaches here in CA. Barbara and I both agreed that they are quite annoying.
ReplyDeleteWe went to the parade, and I even put together a 10-minute highlight video of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video Mark. Looks like the crowd is tamer further north and the participants are more lively. I may head that way next year.. unless I punk out and opt for watching it on cable instead.
ReplyDeleteI was on main and st patrick for the parade with the kids. It was a good time bloody mary's started about 9 am after that the rest of the day went fast.Was up until 1 am then got up and went to work at 10 am, Club had their 4th party on the 5th and I worked it all day, ass was draging yesterday. If it wern't for the kids I'd a watched it at home too.......I'm getting to old for all this!!
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