The Greatest Fireworks Show EVER

So, the first year we attended fireworks in a small, southern Idaho town the big "M" on the mountain caught  fire. We were newbies and thought it was a fluke. It wasn't. Someone happily filled us in saying, "Oh, yea. It happens every year."

Really? You mean they keep doing fireworks even though every year the hill catches on fire? And sure enough that person was telling the truth. To date, we've seen that big "M" catch on fire five times.  This year was the fifth year in a row and every year we find it more and more entertaining. It's terrible but we've become like the locals and we've come to expect flame with our fireworks.
Just imagine a hill lit up with a giant "M."  And 25 or so firefighters are on the mountain wearing headlights. It's dark, right? So, all you can see up on the mountain (because we're down below) are miniature lights frantically racing around dumping dirt on the flames before they get out of hand. It shouldn't be entertaining. But it is! And why? Because first you see a giant firework burst in the sky and second you hear this from the guy sitting on the blanket over to your left.

"Oh! Maybe this one will catch on fire. Oh, no. Here it goes. Nooo. Nooo. It's good. It's not gonna do it. Ahhhh. Maybe next time."

Isn't that sad and, yet, funny? I don't know maybe you just have to be there to get the full effect. But that's what you hear all along the street and throughout the park. Everyone is waiting to see the little headlights put out the flames.  I don't think anyone of us really knows how many fireworks go off but we know how many times the hill catches on fire.

Well, that's how we spent the night of the 4^th. That morning we enjoyed a small town parade and a patriotic program in the city's tabernacle. I can't think of a better way to celebrate July 4th. During the program, tears are shed especially during our national anthem. Then, what really hits your heart is the musical tribute to those who serve in the U.S. Military. You see men and women who stand up during their theme song and you realize America is beautiful because of the men and women willing to sacrifice their very lives for freedom.

You might think we'd get bored doing the same thing year after year but the truth is it just keeps getting better and better. Thank you, Paris, Idaho! You put a great show. And we look forward to many more small town celebrations in years to come.

God Bless the U.S.A.

Land of the free and home of the brave.