July 4th memories

The Loop asked me to write a column on July 4th memories, so departing from my mother’s history, I am going to search my own brain.

My parents brought me to the fireworks in Tehachapi each year when I was little and parked along Highline Road so we could see the show from a distance (and I do mean distance!) That way my dad, who always drove, could make a quick getaway back to Mojave along Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road, and onto Oak Creek Road back to town.

That yearly trek instilled in me a love for the fireworks and the July 4th festivities. There were a few years after I became an adult and my kids were young that we attended July 4th in Mojave, but when those events were no longer held, my heart always gravitated back to Tehachapi and the grand fireworks shows there.

I wanted to experience the fireworks! I wanted to get as close as the Police Department officers would allow for safety reasons. The show was presented somewhere in Capital Hills at that time and we were able to park in that area.

We would park, drag the blankets out of the truck, and lay them down in the truck bed. We would eat snacks that service clubs were selling, gladly drop money in the bucket to help pay for the show, and hang out until exactly one minute after 9 p.m. when the first firework was lit and off we went.

We would lie down and watch the show going on right above us! In those days we could turn the local radio station to hear patriotic music. At the finale fireworks would fill the sky, the Star Spangled Banner would play on the radio, and we would literally throw the blankets in the truck, along with the kids and race out of there, heading back to Mojave.

Sometimes we would be 20 miles down the road before some Tehachapi residents arrived home. Suffice it to say – we had a system.

Later, we would drive to Tehachapi and park along the road in front of the high school football stadium. It was a good exit back to Mojave.

Over the years, since I moved to this city, others have talked me into various places to watch the show.

Our neighbors on South Green Street used to sit on their roof to watch. I am too old to climb on the roof. Our friends suggested we watch the fireworks while in their hot tub. Perfectly fine hot tub, but one had to peek through the trees to see the faraway flashes in the night sky.

One year we parked at the edge of the new high school parking lot- nice, but again, not close enough.

Last year I learned that we could park at the airport, near the park there. Perfect! Great view, good friends – wonderful and close!

The day of the fireworks is great now also. The day in Central Park begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, which raises funds for high school football. There is a 5k Warrior race, sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District.

During the day, the city-sponsored event includes a wiener dog race, kids games, food and drink booths run by local service organizations and much more.

Residents can gather at Warrior Stadium in the early evening to enjoy a great concert by Tehachapi Orchestra and enjoy the fireworks from there. Great spot, stadium seats, again good friends with which to visit.

Residents must remember we are in a severe drought in this state, and NO fireworks are allowed in the valley, anywhere. Go enjoy the festivities, watch the fireworks, but do not set off any in your neighborhood.

Remember why we celebrate July 4th and be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy still in this great nation.

See you at the park!