Fire in the sky
We have passed the summer solstice. The longest days of the year are the fullest in this job; as Berkshires Week has returned to a weekly magazine, and swelled to 40 pages and more, this blog has grown quieter. So it's high time for some noise.
In 13th century China, firework makers were craftsmen. I don't know whether they created spears or full-sized flying dragons out of light, like Gandalf, but imagine shaping fire with your hands! It sounds magic enough to me. And they did create flowers — peonies and chrysanthemums and willow, and horse tails, and glittering fish.
Once in a Chemistry class, the professor handed out metal spatulas and different powders, and we dipped spoonfuls of powder and held them in the flame of a bunsen burner. The flame changed color with each chemical — mint green, brandy flame blue. Magnesium made it suddenly spit silver, and I suddenly knew how sparklers are made. We used to light them on the back terrace at my grandmother's, on the fourth of July, and run in wide loops around the lawn, watching them fizz.
Here are some larger light displays and celebrations to look forward to over the holiday:
Fireworks
North Adams, Noel Field Athletic Complex. Begins a half hour after conclusion of SteepleCats game. (413) 664-6180.
Fourth of July Celebration
Family events all day and fireworks at dark. Willow park, off route 7 north, Bennington Vt.
July Fourth Family Fest
Fireworks, Skeeter Creek Band, 3 to 11 p.m. Kiddie rides, magician, climbing wall, hay maze, food and family fun. Parking free. Columbia County Fairgrounds, Route 66, Chatham, N.Y. www.columbiafair/otherevents.com. (518) 392-2121. Fireworks, Little League Field, Payn Avenue, Chatham, N.Y.
Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade
One of the largest Independence Day parades in New England. Dozens of marching bands, floats and giant balloons, attracting over 80,000 people each year. 10 a.m. www.pittsfieldparade.com.
Declaration of Independence
Actors from the Williamstown Theatre Festival read the Declaration of Independence and the British Reply outside WCMA following the Williamstown Parade. Founding Documents of the United States of America on view in Manifestos: American Dreams and Their Founding Documents.