I have to admit, this is one of my favorite times of the year. I’m not the most patriotic person, nor am I that in love BBQs and beer. I think its the mix of fireworks in my backyard, a soapbox derby a few blocks away and the warmth of the summer sun that puts a smile on my face. This is what living in Conshohocken is all about.
I grew up in Bucks County where every year we would pile into the car and drive to either New Hope or Penn’s Landing for the fireworks display. Like clockwork, every year, it was a disappointment. We either didn’t get a good seat, had to walk an hour because parking was horrendous or missed the whole thing because we were late.
This year’s fireworks almost didn’t happen. Borough Council cut the event from the budget as a cost savings measure. But, a local citizen’s promise and some hard work saved the display. My wife, son and I sat next to a guy at this years display who didn’t know that it almost didn’t happen. Turns out, he came in from Roxborough. It never occurred to me that people outside of the area would come to see the show. That is how popular the fireworks display is and I think this years attendance was bigger then previous years. It was really packed.
The Soap Box Derby is also one of those great events that so few towns can get away with. Somehow, Conshohocken continues to pull it off. Attendance seems to dwindle a bit every year, but the kids and parents seem to enjoy it and I have to admit, I look forward to walking the course every year.
So, happy birthday America and two thumbs up to both the organizers and volunteers of Conshohocken’s events, I’m already looking forward to next year. Here are my pictures from this years events.
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Im not a fan of the fireworks .I think they are an enormous waste of tax dollars. What does it cost anyway to blow up the sky with these potentially dangerous rockets? OOH!!!!!!!!!! AHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe you will think I am just a grouch, but living in the neighborhood that this shindig takes place in, is a nightmare.
No parking spot after a long day at my job.I have to park across town and walk home. The alleys are blocked with cars so firetrucks have no access ( Not a great thing when your setting off fireworks) The partygoers leave their trash everywhere. My dog is frightened to the point where I need to medicate her,and then when its over ,the firemen are on top the roofs of our houses looking for sparks. How crazy is that? Sweet Dreams! The cost of this would probably blow your mind. Why do we spend our money on this? Do we really have nothing better to do with our money?
Many other things are really essential.For one thing, we desperately need more police officers to control traffic on Fayette during the rush hours, but will continue to burn money on this stupid tradition.What does Independence Day mean anyway??? Maybe we should ask a Native American. Conshohocken should be the first to say no to this insane tradition. Lets be real patriots.
Sammy-
By the way, the borough tax dollars no longer pays for the fireworks(“enormous waste of tax dollars/stupid tradition”) anymore. Last year the fireworks were funded by donations.
Get the facts.
Firework Lover
Then donate to a worthy cause. I stand by my statements. Its a waste!
You go Sammy. I am 100% in agreement