What’s it like in today’s America celebrating the 4th of July? Responses ranged from “Kinda scary” to “Living the spirit” from attendees at Santee Salutes July 4th 2013.
“Is that it?” questioned Bob Lorenez when a single firework went up and only a wisp of a firework trail remained in the air for what seemed like a long time. The haunting of last year’s San Diego fireworks fiasco still in many minds; it wasn’t fortunately.
What’s it like in today’s America celebrating the 4th of July? Responses ranged from “Kinda scary” to “Living the spirit” from attendees at Santee Salutes July 4th 2013.
“Is that it?” questioned Bob Lorenez when a single firework went up and only a wisp of a firework trail remained in the air for what seemed like a long time. The haunting of last year’s San Diego fireworks fiasco still in many minds; it wasn’t fortunately.
Observations aside what remained were regular activities like hamburgers (not pub burgers), watermelon, and corn on the cob like what Cathy and Gary Snodgrass fixed earlier in the day to help celebrate their fourth. They were also celebrating their first grandchild’s fourth as well, Dalton, who at one month old might have slept through his first fourth.
“I grew up doing fireworks outside of my house in Los Angeles” Gary explained, “Red Devil Fireworks and every home had fireworks.” No kids with sparklers running around in San Diego County; one only sees sparklers en masse on Verizon commercials.
Cathy and Gary Snodgrass cuddled together in the back of their truck to watch the 9:00 p.m. fireworks show. Seven months pregnant El Cajon resident, Jessica Pruitt, and family celebrated her birthday and the Santee Salutes event near the Rio Seco Elementary School and nearby ballparks. Bob and Africa Lorenez and family were in the thick of it surrounded by thousands who were at the Town Center Community Park East.
According to City of Santee staff the area near the actual launching of the fireworks was made safer for the fireworks by having a tractor pull a disc behind it and roll the dirt over and become less of a hazard for fires.
Food trucks, food booths that sold products like Twisted Kettle Corn, music by the 80z All Stars band, and rides were available to anyone who attended this Santee annual event starting at 3:30 p.m. and running until 9:30 p.m.
The American flag was hoisted up in a place of honor by a crane supplied by Bob’s Crane Service near the stage. A patriotic ceremony was also held with the HMH – 462 Color Guard.
Through-out Santee residents and visitors alike staked out spots on grassy areas or sidewalks near places like Albertson’s Grocery Store to side streets with Red Flyer Wagons carrying babies, dogs, and food to watch the 9:00 p.m. fireworks show. The recreational vehicles were out again this year as well in the Food for Less parking lot and thereabouts.
Fees for parking helped to offset the cost of the event.
The Lorenez family specifically chose Santee and their events to celebrate their fourth. Perhaps the smiley face that was slated to be a part of the fireworks show best sums up the atmosphere.
