It is summer 2017 and this one is a summer to remember! Just before July 4th, two major political actions took place that changed the way we celebrate. The first pleasant bit of legislation passsed that allowed non-aerial fireworks to be bought and used across the state. (For confirmation of this change, please reference This Article). However, this was coupled with a total government shutdown that followed on Saturday the first of July- leaving state-run beaches and parks abandoned for the holiday weekend. My guess is that in order to avoid total disappointment, the already-spiking number of purchased fireworks in the state is going to double because thousands of families’ plans for this weekend are trashed. Thanks, government.
In the retro spirit of summer celebrations, there is much fun to be had at home; by the pool; or with friends, neighbors, and family. The resurgence of legal fireworks only makes this experience more unique. The last time that non-aerial fireworks were legal here was 1967. So let’s talk Fourth of July; the first round of official antics.
Harpie Lyn here. I had no reason to learn about the fireworks market or what types existed. So going in blind, I went over to Pennsylvania to gather some of the tiniest sparklers I could find that didn’t look menacing. Of course, when I arrive home, my mom has already found a grandiose assortment of fancy, dancing fireworks that dazzled and crackled. She 1-upped me at a local grocery store while I went out to another state to collect what I thought were rare treasures. She was so excited to share this tradition with her own kids and family that my mother almost forgot the groceries she had paid for. For the baby-boomer generation, this is a big deal and a serious wave of nostalgia. Fast forward:
Fireworks themselves aren’t very patriotic. Patriotism is experienced more in respecting veterans and helping thy fellow American… In fact, fireworks are rather unpredictable, smelly, but overall pretty for the few seconds they last. Oh, and some will stain your driveway. For decades prior to the year 1967, sparklers were a staple of how Americans young and old participated in the festivities playfully. In reviewing other celebration methods, I found that fireworks are best coupled with smiling faces, coconut-crusted marshmallows, BBQ food, gingham tablecloths, and fireflies at night.
So are fireworks really worth the hype for your Americana celebration? Yes. If you’re reading this from New Jersey, there’s still time to collect a few NON-AERIAL only fireworks- only those that crackle on the ground- if you want to include them in your festivities. Remember safety precautions and stay curious! Happy fourth from us at RRBlog!
Retro Curious Rebellious: The Revival 