Today we celebrate the birth of American independence. The Declaration of Independence was actually written and finalized on July 2, 1776, but signed two days later on July 4th.
Growing up, you learn about the holiday in school but as a kid you think of fireworks and barbecue. I recall heading to the fountain every year to celebrate the Fourth. The town would put together a big event full of concerts, and people would drive in from all over the Valley.
I didn’t live far from the park so I would walk there as the sun was going down. The park was full every year and the traffic leaving town would sometimes take until midnight or later to clear. You could say we were lucky to be close enough to walk.
This day was in the middle of summer, so it was always good to see everyone again. Of course, there was that girl I had a crush on I would look for.
Once I found my friends we would do things like rolling down the hill at the park and also do stupid things to get the girl’s attention.
Funny, the biggest memory I have of the Fourth at the Fountain were the glow in the dark necklaces. We would throw them around like a Frisbee and also see who could throw it up the farthest. I would put it in my freezer when I got home to stretch out the life in it.
I don’t remember the year exactly but it was some time in the late 80s when there was a malfunction with the fireworks as one shot back behind the park and caused a small brush fire. There were no houses behind the fountain at that time and the fire was quickly put out.
The park is the perfect destination to watch the fireworks. You have great entertainment, the world- famous fountain as a backdrop and a great fireworks show that makes you proud to be an American and part of this community.
If you’re heading to the park tonight, have a great time. As those fireworks shoot off just reflect on the history of the country and all those who have fought for our independence.
Speaking of our community, I want to thank John Gibson for taking the time to write a column in last week’s paper about shopping and dining local. We do need to look out for each other when it comes to the future of this community.
Since I took my new position at the Fountain Hills Times I am more involved with some groups in town to help figure out solutions to the growth of this community.
Scott Soldat-Valenzuela, president of the Chamber of Commerce, invited me to join a new group of young professionals in town he leads, along with the town’s Economic Development Director Scott Cooper, to discuss ways we can attract families and new residents to Fountain Hills.
Each time we meet, we try to bring a guest. In the few meetings we have had, the group has grown, so it looks like Scott’s vision of what he intended is coming along great.
I still do advertising sales for The Times and am in close contact with many business owners. We share stories and always discuss things that can be done differently.
We are heading into an election in a couple months and some people I talk to think this is probably the most important election we have ever had. We all have our own ideas and vision of what we want for this town.
It’s great to hear all these ideas as we can lay them all out and, hopefully, come up with a solution. Getting angry at one another over an idea does not help. Our town leaders and mayor work hard every day and have the town’s best interest at heart.
Let’s all try to work together the best we can. America’s forefathers signed the declaration with a vision in mind. We as a community can follow in those footsteps and work together as a citizen of this great country and represent the town of Fountain Hills. Happy Independence Day.
