Weekend Pick: July 4th Special

Fireworks are not uncommon throughout the year. They are set off to welcome in the New Year. They provide enticement for weary baseball fans to stay until the end of a game. They can be part of almost any special event with the money to buy them and the permit to light them. Nevertheless, they still hold special relevance on the Fourth of July.

Spirits soar as the sky lights up with patriotic red, white, and blue colors. Hearts thump as tubes of exploding powder bring to mind the encouragement offered by a flag seen flying o’er the ramparts by the dawn’s early light. Emotions find closure as the last patterns fade from the sky. On the fifth of July, with celebrations over, comes the difficult task of making the country work.

Be cautious with fireworks, though. Some people and animals hear the boom of the explosions and have negative reactions. Other people do not respect the power of a firecracker and end up losing parts of themselves they’d rather keep. Even a sparkler can be a fire hazard.

Warnings also have to be given about the other dangers found around the Fourth of July. Be mindful of how long food sits out during picnics. Wear plenty of sunscreen protection. Do not drink and drive. This year you also want to make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellant on hand. Take these simple precautions, then sit back and enjoy the events around Des Moines.

Des Moines, July 3rd, 8:30 p.m.: Join the Des Moines Symphony for Yankee Doodle Pops on the west side of the state capital (East 9th between East Grand and East Walnut). Performers include Craig Schulmon, Simon Estes, and the Josh Davis Band. [Correction: The Des Moines Symphony performs at 8:30, the warm-up act, the Josh Davis Band, goes on at 6:30 p.m.]

West Des Moines, July 3rd, 6:30 p.m.: Watch politicians and other people as a parade moves from Ashworth and 39th Street to 4th and Maple. There will be a post-parade street dance in Valley Junction with music provided by the Heartbeats.

West Des Moines, July 4th, 7:00 p.m.: A community band concert will be held by the Coneflower Shelters in Raccoon River Park. A fireworks display over Blue Heron Lake in the park will begin at dusk. The city has morning activities listed, too.

Urbandale: What doesn’t Urbandale offer? The festivities kick off on Sunday, June 29th, at 6:00 p.m. with a Patriotic Concert at Lions Park. Activities for children are scheduled throughout the week. On Friday, July 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., a parade will start at City Hall and end at the Middle School. there are evening concerts and at 10:00 p.m. is the fireworks display. The fireworks can be seen from Aurora and Lions Park. There are still more activities scheduled for July 5th.

Windsor Heights: Fireworks are scheduled for August 2nd. Yep, August 2nd. That’s due to weather and a park under construction. But there will still be a parade on July 4th. On Thursday, July 3rd, watch acts that might make it to the Bill Riley Talent Show at the state fair (3:00 to 5:00 p.m.) and listen to the battle of youth bands (6:00 to 9:00 p.m.).

For a different take on Fourth of July community events, the Clive Historical Society has a description of a 1917 event on its website. To remind yourself of why we celebrate the fourth, read the text of the Declaration of Independence. As you wave your flags and enjoy your festivities, take a moment to consider the many facets of 232 years of history. There will be time tomorrow to chart the next 4, or 100, years.

M.R. Field writes a weekly Weekend Pick column for AroundDesMoines.com.