WritingSampleRainParade

B. L. Marchant

WRITING SAMPLE

Don't let it Rain on Your Parade

first appeared on July 2, 1992
Barefoot Bay Sun

July 4 has always been an important date, both in the history of our country and in many family traditions. For me, it has taken on many meanings throughout the years.
While studying American History in school, it was the date on the top of the Declaration of Independence, written by a handful of men who deliberated much over what words were necessary to declare a brand-new country, and explain the reasons for separation from England.

Although some of the names at the bottom of this document would not make it to the memory banks of future generations, a couple of them became symbols of freedom as we know it here in the great United States.

In later years, Independence Day revolved more around who was going to have the best fireworks in the neighborhood, and the entire family would scale the ladder to the tar-paper roof of the backyard shed.

We spoke of the battles that were so much a part of our country's fight for freedom. So many years later, sparklers were our weapons for the evening. Sparklers and mosquito repellent, that is.

Backyard barbeques were great. The house was filled with laughter and about 20 people. It seemed like a hundred. Adults and children were enjoying the festive mood. Watermelon became somewhat of a tradition, but the house rule was that youngsters must eat the seed-filled stuff on the front porch, so the mess was easier for mom to deal with.

There were hazards to this, though, since the dog loved watermelon, and didn't always want to wait his turn for a bite. Shreiks and giggles could be heard with dog on one end and child on the other of that red and green wedge.

The fireworks displays finally disappeared from the neighborhood (the daredevils moved away), and commercial displays became the rule.

One of the best spots to see it all in Miami was from our boat anchored just south of Marine Stadium on Key Biscayne. From there, we could see displays from downtown Miami, Marine Stadium (of course), Cutler Ridge, Homestead and Turkey Point. That was one of the few years I can remember that it didn't rain on Fourth of July.

Rain on "the Fourth" has always been kind of a tradition, too. It could be close to drought conditions for weeks, and lo and behold, everyone would get soaked just about the time the fireworks began.

Sebastian's parade, activities and display of pyrotechnics has been impressive, even to someone from the big city. I am pleased to be a part of such a patriotic group of people, and I am pleased to see Barefoot Bay getting involved with festivities and fun on such an important day.

With all the rain we've had in recent days, maybe it won't "you-know-what" this year.

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BL Corcoran