Fielder’s Choice

I enjoyed fireworks on two consecutive nights.

The fifth annual Independence Day celebration in downtown Holly Springs July 3, with fireworks and blues music, was the best yet.

I arrived downtown a little early and saw the traffic, with folks trying to find the best spot to park for the fireworks show. And I saw the square fill up with vendors selling food and the music beginning on stage.

There was lots of anticipation for the star of the night, blues legend Bobby Rush.

And the 85-year-old, Grammy-award-winning musician, did not disappoint.

The street area in front of the stage quickly filled up with fans. And most were having a hard time standing still.

His show had everyone clapping, singing along and dancing in the streets.

It was indeed a good time in downtown Holly Springs.

After Bobby Rush’s performance, it was time for the fireworks. And that show didn’t disappoint either.

Those celebrating the Fourth a day early watched from the downtown area, along city streets and in front yards and on porches of nearby homes.

Thanks to the City of Holly Springs and Contract Fabricators for sponsoring the fireworks.

This continues to be an outstanding event that brings our community together. And together, we can celebrate the United States of America and the freedoms we enjoy as a great nation.

Another wonderful thing about the downtown fireworks show each year is the fellowship. Friends and family enjoy the event together; people see friends they perhaps haven’t seen in awhile; plus you can make new friends, too.

It unites our community, and the more of that, the better.

Also remember, the Blues Alley Music series, a project of the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber, will continue on Thursday nights – July 12, 19, 26, and August 2 and 9.

On Wednesday of last week, Independence Day, Pam and I drove to Little Rock, Ark., to pick up Erin, who had been spending a few days with her sister Emma. We had already made plans to stay overnight so we could enjoy Pops on the River, the largest Fourth of July event in the state with more than 30,000 attendees.

We went downtown early so we could visit the food trucks and listen to the music.

It was hot in Arkansas on the Fourth – very hot.

So we returned to our hotel, where we knew we would have a great view of the fireworks show. It was spectacular.

Eighteen years ago my family went with some good friends from Laurel to St. Louis, Mo., for the Fourth. Watching that huge fireworks show from an area near the Gateway Arch was my best fireworks experience ever. That trip made for some special memories.

We did miss what seems to be an annual trip to visit kinfolks in Alabama for the Fourth. That trip, too, has always included fireworks and food.

Here’s hoping amidst all the celebrating this past week, you also took time to remember the true reason for the holiday, which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

We’re blessed in America.