The Big Bang is over but it sure was a great time for everyone.
For the past six or seven years (now that I’m not “on
call”) we have enjoyed hosting a picnic in our yard on
the 4th of July.
Port
Austin’s parade, which dates back over 50 years
and usually has about 100 units, was well attended in spite
of the scorching heat.
There
were entries from all over the county and of course a fair
share of politicians. They deserve votes after walking
that parade route in the 90-degree heat. Miss Michigan
looked fresh as she graced us with her beauty by riding in
a convertible.
Bay Port’s Pirate Ship may have been my personal
favorite float.
My
grandson, Kyle Thrushman, brought along a guest from the
city and it was as much fun watching him as the parade.
I
don’t
believe he had ever seen tractors and farm equipment as big
as those in our parade. His eyes popped out and he grabbed
his phone to take pictures of them. As a “first timer” this
young man was as entertained as the little kids were
while he leaped to catch milk cartons and beads.
I really want to commend the parents who attended the parade
this year. V ery few of them let their youngsters run out in
front of the floats and farm equipment with the giant tires.
Last
year and in prior years, I commented in my column about who
would be responsible if one of the kids got
hurt. I’m
sure all elders at past parades watched with apprehension,
fearful for the young people. Kudos to the parents!
As soon as the parade ended in downtown Port Austin, my guest
and I picked up our benches and headed for my yard. We continued
the celebration that began with the parade at the end of my
street and ended with the fireworks, which we view from our
yard. As I sat enjoying my hot dog (a picnic treat), I watched
as families passed by enjoying being together. It reminded
me of years ago when families spent the 4th holiday together,
from the parade right on through the fireworks.
Another behavior I noted was those driving around town,
including the young people who demonstrated caution.
There was no tire
squealing, no racing engines and very few car
stereos blaring.
With
all the construction taking place at the harbor, we wondered
how the fireworks would be
presented
and where
the onlookers
could watch them. It appeared as though the
village, state and contractors all worked together to
direct visitors to areas where they could park
and to
additional areas
for viewing.
It did involve a bit of hiking, but that was
part of the
fun.
The combined efforts were supported by county,
State Police and Department of Natural Resources
and Environment
enforcement,
as well as Port Austin’s police force
to ensure public safety.
The fireworks presentation was perhaps the
very best I’ve
ever viewed in Huron County. I know my guest
enjoyed it and all of us agreed the show seemed
to go longer
than
in prior
years and was just spectacular! It was just
a great holiday in my town, businesses did
well and those
who stayed
open later seemed to enjoy lots of customers.
Of special note
was the
brand new Visitor Center opening just in time
for the holiday.
I observed no problems in spite of all the
construction, there was no grumbling or
whining — folks just had a good time.
I hope all the rebuilding at the waterfront will result in
Port Austin’s harbor being one of the
finest in the state. Businesses will benefit
because there
are
few docking
facilities
located such a short walking distance to a
town that offers so many restaurants and shops,
plus
anything
boaters may
need.