I've been planning this display for weeks, so tonight at precisely 9:00 PM after having BBQ Steaks and Drinks with my friends and neighbors all gathered 'round, I'm going to light a Sparkler and toss it 12 feet in the air. Happy Independence Day! Hal
That's funny. Our town-sponsored fireworks display is usually pretty good for a small town, I suppose. In past years, I have been impressed. Although the town has invested less into it each year, some of the difference has been made. up by private contributions. Plus, since Maine has legalized a lot of the fireworks that had been made illegal during a past Democrat Administration, the official fireworks display is supplemented by private displays around town. Amusingly, although fireworks displays are legal as far as the state is concerned, there is a town ordinance against any but the official display, people set them off from vacant lots rather than from their own yards, and we only have one cop. For years, we have had only one cop on duty at a time but, at the moment, we have only one cop - two counting the police chief but she is on light duty due to an injury so she isn't patrolling. I don't think that illegal fireworks displays on the 4th of July are high on the priority list, anyhow.
Back when my sons and daughters and friends were setting off fireworks in my backyard, the town cops were here watching. Also, some of the county deputies. I guess that was one way to avoid getting arrested.
When my Dad was young, he told me he and other kids used to have Roman Candle fights on the 4th. Those were the times when people would get burned or lose fingers from the powerful firecrackers you could get in those days. (The 1920's) All I have for a noisemaker is a Carbide Cannon I've had for over 50 years. (pic) Hal
@Hal Pollner It must be a "Big Bang" cannon. I had one very similar to the pic, ordered it from Johnson Smith & Co., in Detroit. They even sent carbide in a sealed cannister! Lots of fun! Small wonder I'm nearly deaf! Frank
I used to fit close-fitting plastic or wooden balls in the barrel and have a truly operational cannon! Hal
@Hal Pollner Early teens, all sorts of fireworks could be ordered and delivered by Railway Express Agency (REA), including firecrackers. "Black Cats" I dropped into a hand-held length of galvanized water pipe, one end having an elbow with a plug, followed the cracker by a glass marble. The elbow "held" like the grip of a pistol. Those marbles flew pretty far! Frank