No bucks no boom?

   I read an article on Yahoo this morning about municipalities that are strapped for cash around the country who are having to forgo their annual fireworks presentations due to budget shortfalls. While this is certainly disheartening to many who look forward to these shows every year, it also presents an opportunity.
We have gotten so used to having our way in this society, I think some of us have forgotton how to use our creative resources. Why does it have to be about fireworks on a grand scale? I remember when fireworks were a rare and special treat, but now they're everywhere, our local 'emerald grand' condo in Destin sets them off every thursday night during the summer and on weekends! Our Billy Bo-legs festival every year in June, The Navarre Fun Fest in May, so many displays!
   I hope that the folks that live in communities that can not afford fireworks find other satisfying ways to celebrate the 4th. Good ol' fashioned picnic or bbq comes to mind; a trip to the local swimming hole, some smaller bottle rocket celebrations with sparklers for the kids,lawn darts, badmitton,watermelon, red Jello and cakes with Strawberries and Blueberries on top. 
   One of my favorite 4th of july memories was with my parents in North Georgia Mountains. It rained it was muddy the fireworks were of the bottle rocket variety. We went hiking. The men played horseshoes. We ate watermelon. I don't remember 'why' we were there, or who we were visiting, but it sticks out in my mind. The point is celebrations don't have to be fancy to be memorable to your kids. Simple family time spent togeather, haveing fun, being LAZY and remembering our freedom and those who died for it.
Have a Happy 4th!