Fireworks, Baby!

My family has never really been big on fireworks for the July 4th holiday.  When I was younger, money was scarce and fireworks were a luxury we just couldn't afford.  However, it never really bothered me because I could never understand what was the big deal.  I guess I was a weird kid because I always thought fireworks were loud, smokey, and often times disappointing.

Then I started working with Kay.

Kay is the co-presenter for a lot of the workshops, trainings, and seminars I conduct.  She also happens to be Native American, and if you're Native American (at least in these parts) you can sell fireworks for longer and cheaper than the typical non-Native booths.  And fireworks is a big deal in Kay's family (as well as many Native families), so they take it very seriously.  It is a business, and they treat it as such but with one catch - they seem to have a lot of fun.

Last year, as a gift to Dawn, Kay gave her some free fireworks.  Dawn loved the fountains, but wasn't loud pops, whistles, and bangs of the other fireworks startled and frightened her.  But the fountains... Dawn was watch in awe as they sprouted all sorts of colors and lit up the night.  So, this year we decided we would buy a few fountains for Dawn.

We went back to Kay's booth this year, and Dawn bought a family package of fountains - a package Kay specifically had in mind for Dawn.  And as I watched Dawn get her fireworks, I stood in awe of the vast assortment of fireworks that are available nowadays.  Amazing.  And the prices!!!  They were so much more affordable than I thought they would be... I suppose it is because Kay recognizes that many families want to have their fireworks to celebrate the day, but don't necessarily have the big budgets to buy those fireworks.

Dawn got her fireworks (and a few extras) and was absolutely delighted.  So delighted, in fact, that she told Mum and I that we are not allowed to "touch" her fireworks.  She has them safely sitting on her desk in my office, waiting until the big holiday so I can light them up for her. 

So, if you find yourself near Sedro Woolley, Washington - head east on Highway 20.  Follow the signs to the fireworks stands.  Go directly to Kay's Explosives.  You won't regret it.