Open Dialogue

Independence Day in Des Moines

There was a commercial that debuted in 1975 for Chevrolet with the theme, "Baseball, Hotdogs, Applie Pie and Chevrolet". Remember it? Okay, if you aren't turning 42 in August (or some age older), you probably have no idea as to what I am referring to.

I am a fan of the spectacular 4th of July fireworks display. Even in days of past--before digital technology--when a fireworks display consisted of one firework at a time. Well-timed, or timed for someone to load, light and run--then start over again. I loved it. The light, the noise, the smell. I recall a particular display, circa 1978, where small plastic soldiers with parachutes burst out of a firework and fell to the ground...

So, here I am in Des Moines, Iowa of all places. (A little over a year and still marveling that this is my home.) After much research, I find that the place to be is not on the steps of the state Capitol listening to the pops orchestra and watching the display--on June 30 (???). Oh no, the real action is at Principal Park after the Iowa Cubs game on July 4.

The Chevy commercial pops into my head and I decide you can't get any more American on Independence day than going to a baseball game, eating a hot dog and taking in the fireworks. (Admittedly I was willing to ditch the apple pie and Chevrolet--I happily own a Honda. Let's hear it for globalism!).

It wasn't too difficult to get my friend Chris in on my goal of celebrating the All-American 4th of July. We opted for brats in-lieu-of hot dogs--and we had great seats behind 1st base. There was a tense moment during the 2nd inning when the women in the seats in front of us spent too much time standing and my attempt at humor at pointing out that "we can't see through you" wasn't taken humorously.

The Cubs beat the New Orleans Zephyrs and after an impressive accapella solo by Simon Estes, the fireworks display commenced. It was truly spectacular! The kind of display that gets the blood flowing through your veins where you feel like you've drank a quadruple shot espresso drink. Then, over the loud speaker comes James Brown's "Living In America"--which pretty much put Chris over the edge of ectasy.

As we headed back to the car, we stopped outside an empty parking lot and watched an impressive small-scale fireworks display (someone, no doubt, made a trip to Missouri). We continued walking and somehow the subject of bluegrass music came up. I attributed my love of this style of music to the Andy Griffith Show--recalling when the Darling family turned up on the show.

And here is what I so love about Chris, he not only knows what I am talking about, but, starts talking about The Dillards who were the group that played the Darlings. Okay, that and how he boogied when James Brown was played over the loud speaker at Principal Park.

posted by Susan @ 8:43 PM