What memories do you have as kids of the 4th. I remember sparklers and punks (no not those kinds, the bug repellant kind), something called 'snakes,' and firecrackers. We would have a parade in Oconto Falls and then dash off to Gillett for their little parade...candy was given to children.
And then we would go to the cemetery to visit the graves of my grandparents. Flowers were placed on all the graves.
The evening fireworks were actually on the 4th of July!!!!!
And in thinking about it, I remember my older brother putting a cherry bomb outside my oldest brother's bedroom window and running like the devil. Unfortunately, my oldest brother had a little bit of an anger management problem at that age. Poor Dave...he always thought it was worth it to harrass Neil! I can still see Neil coming right out that window in his underwear, chasing his younger brother. I will have to remind them of that memory! Or maybe it will be in my best interests not to do so!!!!
In any event, all of you have a great weekend and be safe.
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I grew up in Racine, a block from Main St, and a block from North Beach. Of course the parade was the big deal. The kids would get out on Main at 5 or 6 AM to reserve spots. The excitement is just what a kid needed to get even more wound up. I remember clamping my hands over my ears when all the sirens went by. The floats and the bands. You could feel the bands' music thumping in your chest.
At night, of course, the fireworks on the beach. All evening you could watch people streaming down toward the lake. We could see most of the fireworks from our front porch (and all of them from a second story window), but it was more fun with the crowd.
Today, shell casings are regularly found on the corner where I grew up and I wouldn't go to the fireworks on North Beach for ANY reason. My hat is off to the police officers who will work on the 4th. God bless you and good luck to all. It's supposed to be cool this year, so hopefully that will help.
I think celebrations like this are mainly for the kids, like Christmas. Too bad two-legged animals ruin it for others.
The parade was always a must. The whole family would attend. The big booms in the morning called you to make sure you were awake. We covered our ears too for the sirens. It was exciting. Lots of bands to make your chest thump.
We were lucky. Dad worked at the Gas Company. We watched from the parking lot with my cousins. There was always a box of Cracker Jacks and some other candy for the fireworks.
Sparklers were a must too. We sometimes had some snakes to light off on the sidewalk. I found a couple of boxes of snakes to light up this year. Those black patches last for a couple of months.
I took my kids every year to continue the tradition. I still partake. Now I have to talk the kids into joining me. It just doesn't have that same exciting feel.
None of the old time events seem to have the freedom of enjoyment that it did back then. Too many unsavory elements around. Sad that all the innocence of these events has been lost.
My husband was in the parade every year as part of the drum and bugle corp. And the first year of his life, he and his twin brother rode on some float....must have been a bit thing back them to have twins!
I remember going to see the fireworks and parade when I was a kid. I still take my son the Sturtevant fireworks every year. I tend to avoid the Racine parade because of the crowds and traffic.
My husband and I were able to watch the fireworks from our family room...no skeeters or heat or chill. Ah, the good old days.
Ah, hah, I found the good old days in a little town outside of Port Charlotte...all the old fashioned stuff....
Beejay: As kids, we didn't go to the parade much. Dad wasn't into it. We did however ALWAYS go to the fireworks on the hill at North Beach. Actually we went once (that I remember) to Washington Park Golf Course for the fireworks. My MOST memorable event of the 4th was the BOOM every hour all over town. I thought that was amazing.
The WORST 4th was in 1976 when the ENTIRE family got together at my mom's house on Park Ave. by St. Lukes Hosp. Our daughter was 2 at the time and still in diapers. SOMEHOW both my wife and I got Non-Paralytic Polio from changing her diapers after her Polio Vac. We spent 4 days in the hospital. The entire family had to go to their Doctors and get Polio Boosters. It's VERY rare but, we were REALLY sick.
I damn near cry just thinking about the Iwo Jima float. The parade was NEVER really exciting but, it was usually a nice bright sunny day.
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