A Summer Holiday Surprise

There is a saying that says, "Do not fear pirates." It's a rather new saying, I just came up with it. But had it been around for a long time and become part of culture, it certainly would have rung true on July 4, 2007 as we came face-to-face with a pirate. And Tony the Tiger. And some really, really loud fireworks. Today the Epsilon Institute presents to you a very big visual history of July 4th. If you move away from Grandville and become homesick, please, bookmark this page in advance so you can relive those experiences again and again anytime you want.

(NOTE TO FACEBOOK USERS: There are some different pictures here than are on the Facebook album. This is not the same.)

People line Wilson Ave. up and down, cramming in to get a look at the parade.

Attendance was: PACKED!

"Hey, guys! We're not technically in the parade, but we thought we'd just
warn you, the parade's going to start soon. Aren't we cool?"

Chances are, that's a Transformer flying above us.

It's Grandvillian Mayor Buck!

Taking a bite out of crime.

Here's a novel idea... You're showcased in a parade. Why don't you
just not do anything? How about you eat and just look bored?

Michigan Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land.

A band's a coming.

"What's you looking at, buster?"

Smile, wave, repeat.

Betsy gets a visit from "Jack Sparrow."

Michigan State Senator Wayne Kuipers.

"Live God Loud" was their slogan. They had passion...
Unfortunately, the float design is halfway between Seussical and druggy.

But he's from the past! How'd he get here?

It's Tony the Tiger, brought to you by Kellogg's!
(Is he not liked in Kalamazoo or something?)

Neigh! Neigh! Yay! Neigh!

Oh... oh dear. I don't know where to even begin here...

People walk in and out of Wedgewook Park during the day.

People, still walking around. (Those crazy kids!)

Some of the home fireworks show, already in progress.

Another close-up of a firework.

James looks on in bewilderment.

The flames dance all over for us.

Stacy and Jessica strike a pose.

It's quite unintentional, but still, it's somewhat artsy...

Ka-boom!

Fireworks over the cemetery.

It's all kinds of different colors. It's diversity in the city!

A brilliant white explosion fans across the night sky.

Blue/Purple, green and more dazzle the crowd.

Ashes and dying sparks simmer down towards the grown.

The grand finale fills up the night sky.

So I didn't capture it at it's brightest. At all.
And pictures can't tell just how loud it got.
But, these pictures still work to tell the story.

Good news... that's it for this July 4 photoblog!

A full recap of Grandville's July 4 celebrations later...