What's With the Fireworks?

[ithildin]

While I realize fireworks are part of New Year's Eve in other parts of the world, it isn't something I identify with at all here in my part of the world. For some reason, over the last few years, people have started setting off fireworks, the amount gradually increasing. Last night had a bumper crop and it scared the crud out of me! I'm not expecting the noise -- it's not like it's the Fourth of July, or Halloween when I lived in B.C..

So just idle wondering as to why we have people engaging in this sort of activity all of a sudden.

Comments

[pat-t.livejournal.com]

They come and set up their firework tents every year around Christmas time. But I haven't noticed anyone setting any off. Frankly, it's too cold in the evenings. But I guess it's just a means of celebration for the new year *shrugs*

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

How did your night at work go? Was thinking about you :)

Yeah, it's just odd that it's just started here recently. Oh well.

[mprice.livejournal.com]

They started here when we hit the year 2000 and just continued from there.

[fkastrider.livejournal.com]

We had some random explosions at midnight. I guess that Ohio and Tennessee must be doing good business with their fireworks sales. No, we don't have any tents like pat_t has been seeing.

On the other hand, the locals have decided to try competing with New York with New Years on the Grand (http://www.newyearsonthegrand.com/) featuring our own "ball drop". Needless to say it was cold out, so we stayed home and watched it on TV, albeit as a picture in picture from our local ABC station.

The local newspaper covered it as Thousands enjoy night of fun, hope at New Year's Ball Drop in Grand Rapids (http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/01/thousands_enjoy_night_of_fun_h.html). As with everything from the Grand Rapids Press, this link will only work for the next six months. Pictures of the ball drop from YouTube are included.

[spiffikins]

I told my mom when I was home in Vancouver that there would be random fireworks on the beach on New Year's Eve and she was confused too.

I don't understand it either - I'd never heard of fireworks on the 31st until a friend of mine saved some from Hallowe'en and lit them off one year - it was awfully odd to be standing outside in the snow, lighting off fireworks :) Probably somewhat safer though!

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

We never had em when I lived in Victoria or here in CA. Chinese New Year, yes. Odd how things get started.

[dejla.livejournal.com]

At least they don't all go out in the street and fire automatic weapons into the air.

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

Actually, that happens in Salinas fairly frequently -- and when they aren't shooting in the air they're doing drivebys!