And the band played on...

July 4th, a day of freedom and celebrations capped off by a stellar display of fireworks over the Wisconsin River. Let me back up a bit.

The celebration would start off with an early morning parade down main street. As part of Tomahawk's marching band, we had faithfully gotten together a couple of times during the summer, though school had been out for a month. Our flip music holders would hold the day's marches so we didn't have to memorize our parts. We would play several songs so I was grateful for the music holders and used paper clips to keep the wind from flipping the sheets prematurely. We took to the streets around the school, practicing our formations. "You guys look worse than Gomer Pyle! Now shape up!!!" was heard more than once from our frustrated band director.  We tried our best. The pinwheel corners almost always got out of line. The band director declared us ready (or hopeless). We hoped for a cool cloudy day, our uniforms were heavy, the tophat even heavier. The 4th arrived and we were excited. We met at the appointed place and quickly under the director's direction took our places in formation. One of Sousa's masterpieces spewed forth from our instruments. We were ready!!  The majorette raised her baton, blew her whistle, we were off.  The street was lined with people, some in lawn chairs, some standing, all cheerfully awaiting the parade. Tweeeeett  tweet. Our starting cue for song 1. We marched as we played, trying to stay in formation. Are we still in line? Keeping rows and columns straight with your eye on your music and marching in step to the cadence of the drums was not an easy task. The song ended and we marched to the drums a few minutes before we began song 2.  The crowds clapped and cheered adding their appreciation. The band played on.

The end of the parade route came quickly. We quickly backtracked along the route in anticipation of watching the rest of the parade.

The afternoon was the waterfights. Tomahawk's fire department had their best truck out and hoses at the ready. The opponent also was ready dressed in full firefighting gear. Sirens signaled the start. Water shot forth from the hoses aimed at the opponents. Soon one of the teams was forced back from the water pressure and the fight was over. Kids decorated their bikes and had the kiddie parade. The afternoon was filled with family picnics either in backyards or at the parks. Evening brought the anticipation of the fireworks. Around 9 pm everyone started to Veteran's Memorial Park with their blankets or lawn chairs.  Sparklers sizzled as children waved them around. Fireworks for the consumer were limited so community fireworks were a huge event. The park was packed. Memorial park sits serenely next to the Wisconsin River, and several nights a week, the Kwahamot water ski show performed. The 4th was all about family and friends getting together for the Fireworks. Most of the shells were low,  their thundering booms met with ooohs and aaahhs of the spectators. The grand finale was a very low burst, that formed into the American Flag as it hovered over the water.