Bang! Boom!

YOU KNOW WHY YOU LIKE THE FOURTH OF JULY

Fire is fascinating. Even if you are terrified by fire, it holds you in some amount of awe. Fire is the total destroyer, the giver and taker of life, which brought us out of the wild and gave us civilization. I know I’m sounding like a firebug, but I’m sure I wouldn’t be far off in saying that most people, at one time or another, have played with fire (and I mean in the literal sense here). It’s part of human nature, built into our genetic history. Even now, as a terrible wildfire consumes acreage in southern Alabama, we flock to our neighborhood fireworks hut, hastily constructed to feed our annual (or bi-annual if you include New Year’s Eve) lust for exploding trinkets. We will ration out those trinkets in the days leading up to “the big one,” like junkies with a valuable stash. Then, when the glorious time comes, we will gather en masse and all turn toward the same geographical point, like a slightly buzzed group of pilgrims facing Mecca. We will wait, expectant faces turned upward toward our metal god in the deepening dark, and when those faces are finally illuminated by the multi-colored glow from the pyrotechnics, we will be united for one moment as a city with a common goal—to enjoy watching things blow up.

Of course, there are other nobler reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July. Hooray for the founding of the United States! Hooray for the often-mentioned Founders and their ink-full instruments! Hooray for soldiers and their bravery! Hooray for what stability our crumbling nation has left. Hooray for a day off from work, and a long weekend. Hooray for fiery distractions. Hooray for you. Hooray for me. Hooray.

Here’s a thing—did you know that the only two signers of the Declaration of Independence to become president, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, died on the same day (July Fourth, 1862), the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration? I love Wikipedia.

There will be plenty to do around town leading up to (and during) the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks display, which will start at 9 p.m. and last for about a half-hour. Here is a list of various holiday events you can attend, if you can spare even a second from your regimen of bottle rockets, roman candles and M-80s:

Southeastern Outings 4th of July Picnic

UAB Campus Green, University Boulevard between 14th St. South and 16th St. South. 7 p.m.

Get a prime seat for the summer band concert and knosh on some grub at this outdoor picnic, sponsored by Southeastern Outings, a nonprofit organization “committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors,” according to their website. You will need to bring your own blanket and chairs, and any necessary picnic supplies, including food and beverages. Alcohol, smoking and dogs are prohibited. Free.

Fourth of July Barbecue Festival

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1728 Oxmoor Road. 10 a.m.-3 p.m Our Lady of Sorrows will host the 62nd annual barbecue festival, the longest running barbecue festival in the state, featuring games, music and 5,000 pounds of barbecue. Attendees can browse through a rummage sale and enter a raffle to win a 2011 Toyota Yaris. All event proceeds go to the church’s building fund, school, charity fund and Knights of Columbus. www.ourladyofsorrows.com

UAB Summer Band Concert

UAB Campus Green, University Boulevard between 14th St. South and 16th St. South. 7:30 p.m.

The UAB Summer Band, which is made up of 75 musicians from all walks of the Birmingham area, will put on a free concert on the UAB campus green for the Fourth of July. There will be a variety of patriotic and pop music, and the band will sell chances to conduct “Stars and Stripes Forever.” $2 for one chance or $5 for three chances to conduct the band. (205) 934-7376.

“Jazz in the Park.”

Caldwell Park, Highland Avenue at 26th St.South. 5 p.m.

Though this technically isn’t a “Fourth of July” event, it’s on the day, okay? Magic City Smooth Jazz will put on this month’s Jazz in the Park show at Caldwell Park. The show will feature the Neo Jazz Collective, Fred Spraggins, the Birmingham Sax Trio, Van Burchfield, James Crumb, Jr. and Dwight Houston. Free. magiccitysmoothjazz.com

“Independence Day 1776.”

American Village, 3727 Highway 119, Montevallo Noon-9:30 p.m.

Have a theatrical Fourth at American Village, a Colonial-style village to the south of Birmingham. Costumed impersonators of historical figures like George Washington, Patrick Henry and Abigail Adams will relate the story of the birth our nation. At 9 p.m., there will be an “up close and personal” fireworks show, accompanied by live, patriotic music played by the Montevallo Community Band.

Flag Making & Parade

Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham 10 a.m.

For all you early risers who are looking for a morning holiday activity, I suggest you head out into the wilderness of Oak Mountain State Park. At 10 a.m., meet at the Campground Pavilion to make flags and other patriotic crafts, and then parade around the campground in all your spangled glory.

In summation, here are some photos of things exploding that ought to get you in the holiday spirit:

Sam George is managing editor of Birmingham Weekly. Please send your comments to editor@bhamweekly.com

REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

cheap oakley sunglasses

Bulldogs of art and technology sunglasses with a smooth edge of attitude for your active lifestyle.Engineered for who understand that style is something you define for yourself. So if you need its opinion,the highest quality oakley outlet is the best for you! cheap oakley sunglasses continue to make their mark on with discount oakley sunglasses legend grows with each new design of sunglasses and each new world-class athlete who sees the top of his game behind the lenses of our sport sunglasses.100% protection against UV and harmful blue light.welcome to our oakley sunglasses outlet store.find your like at oakley sunglasses discount store.

seksene

Genelde kadin hayatindan bahsetmekteyiz. güzellik her kadinin favorisidir. moda yi yakindan takip ederek, diyet yapip vucudunuz saglik li yasama hazirlayin. cilt bakimi nizida ihmal etmeyiniz. yemek tarifleri alirken hafif yiyecekleri tercih edin, sac bakimi marka tasiyan ürünleri kullanarak makyaj ornekleri'nden yardim aliniz. Hersey sizin icin, kadinlar sitesi. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ I've surfed the net more than three porno hours today, however, I haven't found such useful information. porno Thanks a lot, it is really useful to me

Longchamp outlet

Buy New Era Hats OnlineIf you’re searching for a fashionable delicate bag with a great deal of tough drive and brand value Longchamp Luggage bags has to be selection. New Era Hats Online ShopThe best sellers inside the category are very simple yet stylish which has a dependable high quality and beautiful appearance.59Fifty New Era Hats Cheap It comes in both fabric and leather varieties. The all browns with black leather straps are a big hit with the males.New Era Baseball Caps Sale The Longchamp Luggage bag featured inside the latest collection is within Cyan with black leather belt. Its sturdy along with the crisp, New Era Fitted Hats For Cheapscribble material leather manage perfectly complements the relaxed shape of this stylish pouch permitting ample storage space in your case travelling requirements. Other colors available are tan, beige, grey, white, blue, yellow/black and silver.New Era 59Fifty Caps Sale They even feature detachable straps utilizing some designs and fits for both young and adults alike. Some extremely girly colors like pink and combinations of pink/white, white/tan and beige/golden with feminine features are also offered exclusively for little girls.New Era Fitted Hats On Sale Most of these bags are come in rather discounted prices too. Longchamp luggage has become a must in the daily lives of fashionable and simple women who look for simple designs yet elegant to look at offered at very affordable and practical prices. These luggages come in different designs, sizes and colors that every woman’s needs could be met. New Era Fitted Baseball CapsLongchamp luggage is a highly functional is well-built and is backed up with warranty. This has a semi-soft design with ballistic nylon which makes the luggage weigh less than a normal luggage yet with proper protection and synthetic zippers are constructed from coils.Wholesale New Era Fitted Hats Longchamp luggage can be used at all times. Longchamp Luggage is one of the most stylish and fashionable lather bags which symbolize design, New Era Fitted Caps For Cheapdurability, style and functionality for a very affordable price range. 5950 New Era Caps CheapThey are on hot sale in our Longchamp outlet now, welcome to choose to favourate one here.

tejuop

What is the attraction of Longchamp Pliage collection Longchamp Le Pliage Bags?1, collapsible: Le Pliage Handbags Longchamp folding feature is the Large Le Pliage Handbags The most prominent feature, carrying, storage is more convenient, but also leading a trend.2, rich colors: nylon, Le Pliage Tote 'Tree of Life' optional package color a lot, a dozen colors of the Longchamp Travel Bags must be critical to the JM is also selected. And regularly launch limited edition designs and colors Longchamp Hobo Bags; of course, the price is higher than the normal style.3, light: Although the luxury leather bags, but like the simple, bright Longchamp Messenger Bags lightweight nylon material more appropriate, back up both lightweight, and stylish, crowded subway is not afraid of wear Longchamp Outlet.4, the price close to the people Longchamp Outlet Online: the cortex than the hundreds of thousands of bags, Longchamp nylon "dumplings" prices hovering a few hundred to a thousand succeed, to spend such a price can buy a well-known package goods, the letter pretty well bid Longchamp Bags Outlet. If there OUTLET in France, as well as style it may be scouring the discount price but more close to the people!

gucci bags

Gucci Bags sale shop is committed to provide the best small part of the latest gucci bags cost. We mainly provide Cheap gucci bags, gucci shoes. All of our products in the new gucci, under the conditions of Replica Gucci Bags, labels, with gucci authenticity card. Our products in the hot market in many countries, such as America, Italy, Canada, and so on. We insist on their business ideas, in order to provide the highest quality, the lowest prices, in order to meet our sincere customer. Products from Gucci Joy procurement to production levels have been set up quality control inspection and test, and then you can put on the market. The satisfaction of customers is our business is imperative. We know that people who love each other always famous brand new the hottest style Gucci Sukey in the market. Usually, we put our Gucci Boston on new projects, and even before they are released to the public. In our web site is the exact products allGucci Jackie, you will receive.

myangel

New Arrivals Luo, Mei Mei, or to give you the best fur Oh.discount ugg boots and ugg ultra short for best love The workmanship is impeccable, ugg boots for women definitely get you ugg ultra tall satisfied with the quality! ! Boots in the snow line, ugg adirondack ii slack for many years, I became professional,ugg adirondack tall you have become a fine. Demerits are only industry ugg bailey button first, oh you can see ugg men boots the physical map. That graceful arc, like the ugg bailey button triplet beauties that the same curve, her body ugg handbags reveals a seductive charm! After reading the above ugg classic argyle knit picture, do not know ugg kids boots how you would like Mimi's, When I get photos from the photographer ugg classic cardy when there really was perfect, sigh - only professional equipment, ugg shoes plus the technology to restore the product can be so realistic. Think of an Taobao shop, I do not have professional equipment, no technical expertise, we provide customers with the most pure products. Is really true? You want the strength to see through the image display to the customer, no professional equipment, not the technology is pure product? ugg slippers Thick leather with a thick layer of thick black uggs wool winter you love. Can say that this is a luxury product,ugg classic mini,ugg classic short Fabric is thick leather, lining is thick fur. .chestnut uggs,chocolate uggs Whether it is fabric or lining, can be used to make a pair of boots alone.ugg stripe cable knit and grey uggs Sheep it is not true,ugg sundance ii for sand uggs It will not be real leather.leopard ugg boots and ugg boots clearance Here to tell you true, not false! ! ! ! tags:ugg classic tall,ugg classic tall wool,ugg coquette,ugg dakotatags:ugg handbags,ugg shoes,ugg slippers,ugg sundance ii,ugg tall stripe cable knit

Cheap jordans

"Will the innovation and inspiration to the world of on every athlete" is Nike declaration. In early 2006, Cheap Nike Air Classic BW women's Low shoes on sale that the appearance of the technology innovation of NIKE stepped into a new era, 360 degrees all air cushion technology will NIKE mattress technology to the top.

nike shox pas cher

.Engineered for who understand that style is something you define for yourself. So if you need its opinion,the highest quality Chaussures Gucci pas cher ^^^ Gucci Bottes Homme ^^^ femmes gucci escarpins pas cher ^^^ hommes gucci 2010 pas cher^^^ hommes gucci lacets pas cher ^^^ chaussures gucci sandals pas cher

cloud

For the smug, eager wings and flying Ke Aberdeen, the how that sum is Youth NFL Jerseys more sponsorship Well, simply send east. But hope is the so-called greater, the greater the disappointment. Clinches sponsorship, actually an instant disappeared. This is innocent Ke Tsai, is what the incomprehensible, what a NFL Jerseys Womens sudden blow. But even worse is that as a father, Licheng Peng not only have to suffer the same hit, and he did not prepare How to Ke Tsai explained so that they NFL Footbal Jerseys are neither as lying, and will not harm the hearts of young children do

wikecamera

TOMTOP.COM, a reliable Chinese wholesale & retail online shop since 2004. We offer diverse & high-quality Chinese products that you can buy at the best prices with free shipping worldwide and free coupons.[b][url=http://www.tomtop.com]China wholesale[/url][/b]

Oakley Frogskin

Still very worried that you are not so attractive and your friend circle is small. Then we will gice you the optimal solution. Yes, it’s our Oakley Frogskin Sale.

vlqxuo

meckoe

mulberry alexa bags,mulberry wallets for men,mulberry mitzy,alexa bag,mulberry handbag sale,mulberry outlet uk,mulberry purses outlet,mulberry daria,mulberry outlets stores,mulberry alexa hobo,mulberry hobo mulberry outlets london,mulberry sale,mulberry outlet store,mulberry bags,alexa handbag,mulberry factory shop,mulberry outlets uk,mulberry bags outlet,mulberry alexa handbag,mulberry wallets on sale,mulberry purses sale uk,mulberry purses sale,mulberry handbags alexa,mulberry bags sale,mulberry outlets usa,mulberry shop,mulberry wallets,mulberry handbags,mulberry factory,mulberry wallets outlet,mulberry bayswater,mulberry outlets,mulberry alexa sale,mulberry outlet,mulberry handbags outlet,mulberry bayswater tote,mulberry bayswater sale,mulberry handbags uk,replica mulberry handbags,mulberry purses,

12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next »

Bang! Boom!

YOU KNOW WHY YOU LIKE THE FOURTH OF JULY

Related content

Also in News:

Also from Sam George: