Another 4^th of July has come on gone.  I’m normally not a fireworks fan, mainly because I’m averse to fighting traffic and crowds to see them.  Last year was one of the better years since we were at our resort cottage in Idaho, and saw fireworks around the lake from a pontoon boat – no hassle to get there.  Fireworks were “OK”, but the experience was great.

So this year, we are stuck at home in Tempe, AZ in 115+ degree heat.  My 15yr old son comes to me and asks to go see some fireworks with his friends.  I inwardly groan due to my crowd phobia.  He appeals to my wife who agrees to take him to one of the largest and crowded shows in the area at Tempe Town Lake park.  I summon up my fatherly instincts and go along with the plan.

Fortunately, the city offered free bus service to the event from a nearby parking lot.  We pick up my son’s friends and drive to the bus stop expecting to fight for a parking spot since we are leaving a bit late to avoid the worst heat.  Pleasantly surprised, we find the lot almost deserted and an empty bus waiting for us.  After a short ride we arrive in downtown Tempe and walk to the park.  Lots of people, but we find a nice spot to view the display and unfold our chairs for the duration.  People watching and listening to music are the main activities until show time 3 hours away with occasional walking breaks for food and exercise. 

The show is mainly sponsored by a local television station with bands and kids activities.  My son and friends quickly make a run for it and disappear into the throng until show time.

I must admit that I passed some time checking my email on my cell phone.  Wouldn’t you know, I had a few registrations from my P2 webpage!

The actual fireworks show is the best I’ve ever seen.  Most of the local city shows are limited in budget, so you are lucky to see two or three rockets go up at once until the finale.  Tempe went all out shooting the rockets from a nearby bridge, constantly bursting from multiple launches and patterns.  Excellent!  Even the cars on a nearby major freeway were slowing down to watch - fortunately without an accident, at least that we could see.

Afterwards, we deal with the dreaded “crowd” again and make our way back to the bus stop.  This time we are not so lucky and it’s standing room only all the way back.  Not too bad considering the convenience factor.  We drop the friends off and head home.