We’ve received letters from readers complaining about the number of local fireworks displays that are being held on July 3rd rather than the 4th. Celebrations have been held on the 3rd in Sebastopol and Windsor for a while. But this year the Sonoma County Fairgrounds event, previously known as “Red, White and Boom,” will also occur on Thursday night – not on Friday.
“Am I missing something here?” wrote Tim Timko of Santa Rosa in a letter that will be published on Wednesday. “Did the feds change the holiday to July 3rd? I thought Friday was Independence Day. What a novel idea, having a fireworks show on Friday evening, July 4th, so everybody who chooses to go can enjoy it without having to be concerned about getting up early for work the next day. . . . Why was the decision made to do this, and who is responsible? . . . . July 4th is the traditional Independence Day, not July 3rd. Please, leave tradition alone.”
So why was the fairgrounds celebration moved? In short, it was to save money. Fairgrounds officials say they will save money on the overtime fairgrounds employees would be paid if the show was held on Friday. Traditional July 4th displays will still be held in Sonoma, Petaluma, Healdsburg and Cloverdale.
But what do you think? Is it better or worse that three of the county’s seven fireworks shows are now held on July 3rd? Or does it not matter to you either way?
– Paul Gullixson
