Do you remember how, as a child, waiting 20 minutes seemed like waiting an eternity? Well that is what it felt like waiting for the fireworks to begin on July 4th. The sun was set, we were ready. The weather, which hadn’t been promising during the day, began to clear in the late afternoon and got better and better as the evening progressed. Then all of a sudden—boom! boom! boom! —the sounds announcing the commencement of the fabulous show were heard.

As the fireworks began, almost immediately, a reverse parade marched down Main Street from the bridge to get a better view. The location of the fireworks was altered a bit from last year to give a better view and it seemed to work. Spectators toward the PA side of the bridge didn’t need to move and had a great view, as did those on lower Main Street. Peck’s parking lot was filled with cars and spectators and the Whistle Stop parking lot seemed a perfect viewing station. Many residents on the Flats reported a good show and even residents in Lava said they were able to see most of the fireworks. Cheers from the crowds were heard as the finale of multiple booms and lots of glistening colors filled the sky. How come the 20-plus minutes of the fireworks passed so quickly and the 20-plus minutes before the fireworks seemed an eternity? Is that an Einstein question or merely a fact of life?

Reminder: Saturday, July 12 is the Turtle Trot, a 10k walk or run in memory of Doug Ackermann and Brenna Darling. As a tribute to both of them, 100% of the funds raised from the Turtle Trot will be passed on to families in Sullivan County impacted by catastrophic illness. The cost is $25. It begins at the Kenoza Lake Firehouse at 9 a.m. For more information phone April Ackermann at 845/701-9054.