Happy Fourth of July, Marin. Or, in other words, “Screeeeeeee boom bang snap, crackle and pop (plus a low ’n slow slide whistle into deafening silence and probable lingering tinnitus)” to all those locals who plan to celebrate this all-American holiday the traditional way—with pyrotechnics, naturally.
But before everyone goes all Katy Perry’s Firework on the North Bay and really lets those colors burst, it may be worth it to take a moment to reflect on this holiday, its origin and the original meaning behind all those bright, sparkly lights in the sky.
The first ever Fourth of July, aka Independence Day, was celebrated nearly 250 years ago on July 4, 1776, when the 13 American colonies broke free from the British monarchy through the American Revolution and the creation of the famous Declaration of Independence.
The purpose of this document, for those unlikely few who don’t know, was to free the American people from the tyranny of corrupt politicians, oppressive governments and overreaching monarchical or oligarchical rulership. In other words, Independence Day marked the Founding Fathers’ own #NoKings movement—it was in that spirit that the historical inception of the United States took place.
John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers and America’s second president, wrote a rather predictive letter that set the precedent and/or prognosticated the way people would celebrate Independence Day (which was originally supposed to be July 2, but became July 4 due to a two-day delay (bureaucracy, amirite?)):
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be Solemnized with Pomp and Parade with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
Pomp, parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations (also known as fireworks) sound just about right. The only part Adams didn’t get right was the date and the decline in the popularity of bells, though maybe they’ll make a comeback. Either way, it’s safe to say that much has changed in this country since that first Fourth of July. But one thing that has never wavered is the people’s dedication to celebrating the occasion with explosives.
Whether those be the rockets’ red glare or the bombs bursting in air, they all give proof through the night that our flag is still there. Yup, that star spangled banner yet waves o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave … in theory, at least.
History aside, it’s time to look more closely at modern America’s Marin County—and, more specifically, delve into the options for those looking to take in some patriotic shows.
First up is the beloved, ever-classic Marin County Fair, which will host its traditional fireworks show over the lagoon every night it is open. That means all of Marin can come out and see/hear the authentic fireworks experience from President Adams’ predicted date of July 2 all the way through to July 6. Plus, the fair holds all the best historical traditions made modern: plenty of pomp, shows, games and illuminations to go around … but bonfires and other unmentioned elements from Adams’ list shall not be a part of the family-friendly fair. Which, to be fair, is a good sign of America’s progress in the past 250 years.
Another spot for local fireworks in Marin is McInnis Park in San Rafael, which is known as a great place to view the county fair fireworks from afar (and to possibly get up close and patriotic with some s’mores, too). Nothing says independence from oppressive rule quite like sweet treats, explosives and a community sharing company and good vibes together in a park.
To view the San Francisco fireworks show without having to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands are the place to be. More specifically, Hawk Hill and the Moor Road Pier in Sausalito should give a pretty good show. Tiburon also has a few spots for spotting some of San Francisco’s firework shows, including Tiburon Historic Trail (aka Blackie’s Pasture). Plus, the Angel Island and Tiburon ferry offers some less landlocked viewing options a la cruise, for those who prefer to take in their fireworks on the open seas.
Whether ye be a land lover or prone to answering the call of the vast ocean deep, do keep in mind that these firework gawking spots are only as good as the sky is clear. In other words, people can only go out and expect to see the city lit up in intentional, aesthetic explosions if the (in)famous fog, Karl, keeps a low profile. Guess only time will tell how patriotic Karl is feeling this year … maybe Karl and clear skies on the Fourth of July is similar to Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day. Someone should look into it.
Alongside lighting off some fireworks, gathering together ’round tailgates to BBQ and adorning oneself in properly patriotic star-spangled bikinis and Speedos, how else can one possibly commemorate such a momentous occasion as this, the holiday marking this great country’s very beginning? Perhaps, before digging into those all-American beers, burgers and boom boom sticks, one could take a moment to read some of the first lines written in the Declaration of Independence.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Happy Independence Day to the North Bay—may the holiday be truly illuminating. And may all the dogs, cats and otherwise firework-sensitive folks out there find safe, silent places to seclude themselves away from all the commotion of the countrywide celebratory tradition of setting off a veritable plethora of explosives.
