If there’s one thing Ohio—and subsequently, Columbus—is good at, it’s being the perfect version of everything ‘American’. Fields and fields of corn wave in the summer heat. Apples are ripe for the picking amongst golden fall foliage. Farmer’s Markets dot the city throughout the long growing season, resplendent with peaches, peas, peppers, tomatoes, and homemade apple pies. Football takes center stage come September. Neighborhoods, established way back in 1830, showcase white-picket-fenced homes and blooming flower gardens.
Essentially, if there is anything that comes to mind when thinking “America”, Ohio most likely offers it. This is a great thing. I love Ohio for these reasons.
But, if there is one time in which Columbus goes all out, it comes around the middle of the summer. They certainly know how to do the Fourth of July right. They manage to funnel all their Buckeye Sprit (and if you know Buckeyes you know there’s quite a bit of spirit) and Ohio American-ness into this one holiday that spreads over the course of an entire four-day weekend.
With Jym Ganahl forecasting clear, sunny skies and highs in the upper seventies, we got ready to soak up the spirit of America in a city that knows how to do it right.
Friday night, we left Amelia behind, to fight the crowds at Red, White, and Boom. We managed to catch the tail end of the parade and sample a vast assortment of fried foods for dinner. Later, staking out our territory on the grassy lawn just north of the river, we people watched, camera practiced, and sipped the (festival requisite) lemonade.
Just before 10 o’clock, the sky lit up with big, beautiful fireworks. Scott and I had a grand time testing out our photography skills and ‘oohhing’ and ‘aaahhhing’ at the results as they appeared on our little LCD screen.
The next day, Saturday, we included Amelia—decked out in all her Patriotic finery—in the fun when we headed over to our friends for a backyard picnic and sparkler session. Amelia sampled her first Bomb Pop and declared it Good. The food was yummy. The sparklers were great. And the company was even better.
Sunday, marked the true 4th of July and we celebrated by sporting our red, white, and blue attire to Church. (Side note: Why is it perfectly acceptable to deck yourself out in patriotic clothing at the 4th, but not really at any other time of year? The same enthusiasm with red and green at Christmastime would just look bad. ) We also finally remembered to hang up our flag out front. Later that night, Scott and I snuck down the street (leaving a sleeping baby behind) to catch glimpses of the nearby fireworks as they broke just above the horizon.
Not to end the weekend too soon, we endured our neighbor’s own fireworks and poppings all day Monday. They were perhaps the most hardcore of all the revelers. Night or day they never really left the lawn chairs permanently encamped on their front lawn. There was never a cold beverage too far from their hands and a sparkler, rocket, or bottle cap too difficult for them to light. By the time the sun set Monday night, we were amazed at their continued patriotic spirit. Really, though, it just added a surround-sound element to our watching of the televised fireworks over the Hudson River.
With perfect weather, entertainment around every corner, and good times had by all, we really couldn’t ask for more out of any Fourth of July. It certainly beats sweating in the 110 degree Phoenix heat as you wonder how many more booms there will be before you can head home to the AC.
