8 Quirks Of The Annual Phoenix Fireworks Show
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8 Quirks Of The Annual Phoenix Fireworks Show

We love our weird little fireworks show.

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8 Quirks Of The Annual Phoenix Fireworks Show
sunstonenorwalk.com

Every year, the little town of Phoenix, NY (not Phoenix, AZ) hosts a beautiful fireworks show for July 4 which is, notably, never actually on July 4. People from all over the surrounding area join together to enjoy the spectacular sight and celebrate our country and community. Of course, being a small-town tradition in the weirdness that is upstate NY, this event has plenty of quirks that you might not expect from your average fireworks show. If you plan to join us sometime, here is some preparatory information.


1. As previously stated, the July 4 fireworks show is never held on July 4.

I believe it's usually the Friday after school lets out for the summer and before July 4. I'm never quite sure about this, however... so I keep my ear to the ground for news of the fireworks.

2. The Nite Life

Every year, a local band called Nite Life have played music for the fireworks. They consist of three brothers who have lived in Phoenix their whole lives, and their friend from Mexico (the town nearby, not the country). During the two or three hours that we wait for the sky to darken, they sing fun songs to which we dance (badly) in the area around their truck. If dancing is your thing, feel free to join the fun! There are literally no expectations for good dancing. Just twirl and wave your arms.

3. The Erie Canal

Phoenix, NY is located on the Erie Canal system. We're very proud of that. The fireworks take place over the water, where boats gather for a view of the sky. You'll even be able to see the locks in action, as people ascend to the docks!

4. The "Bridgehouse Brats"

A squat, sturdy Bridgehouse oversees the locks. This Bridgehouse hosts a collection of local schoolchildren armed with menus from every local restaurant. They run around the dock with said menus, and if you want anything, they'd be happy to take your order and carry it to the restaurant! Thereafter they will bring your money to the restaurant as well, in exchange for a tip with which to purchase all the expensive light up gear being peddled by walking vendors.

5. The vendors

Never before will you have seen so much light-up nonsense in one place. Well, never in Phoenix, NY anyway. This year, I saw multiple people wearing light-up squids on their heads. There are always lightsabers, light sticks and various whirring whistles and plastic horns to purchase. It's all a part of that unique Phoenix-fireworks-ambiance, and it just wouldn't be the same without it.

6. The territorial blanket displays

At the fireworks, you have to stake your territory out early if you want a good spot. That's why we all get there three hours before nightfall. We come bearing camping chairs and blankets, which we spread around in whatever space we choose, and thereby stake our territory. It's elbow-to-elbow blanket territory on the slopes beside the canal.

7. People-watching

We're a strange little town. I think you can grasp that very quickly just from the people you see at the fireworks. Most of us never left the early 2000s when it comes to fashion. Every so often, you spot someone who survived the climb out of Phoenix fashion hell and has returned to prove it. Those few individuals are always dressed as though attending some sort of gala, and I applaud them for their daring challenge to their old hometown's fashion senses.

8. The grand finale and the flag

At the end of the show every year, the fireworks end in a grand finale, setting off what seems like a hundred explosions at once. The sky fills with light, and the smoke settles over the water until, from the grey clouds on the far bank, emerges an illuminated American flag. It's difficult to distinguish through the smoke; oftentimes it really just looks like something went wrong over there and caught fire. Rather than the national anthem, "I'm Proud to Be an American" plays across the water while we all gather up our blankets and camping chairs, excited for the summer ahead.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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