Happy 4th to you & yours.

July 4th tends to feel a bit anti-climactic here in the fireworks capital of the Pioneer Valley. Easthampton's fireworks extravaganza is always held the weekend before the fourth, which is great because it generally conflicts with no other events or anyone else's fireworks, and people who like to get out of town for the long weekend of the 4th don't miss out. Those Kiwanis dudes know what they're doing. If only the weather was as well organized.

This was the scene just minutes before dusk and fireworks launch time...

If you were part of the festivities, I hope you enjoyed. The fireworks went off a little early on account of the looming wall of rain and lightning, but it was actually kindof cool to watch the fireworks (albeit a bit abbreviated), listen to Freebird rockin' from the main stage while being dusted by a light rain. A multi-sensory experience.

I hope you and yours have a great 4th, full of burgers from the grill, cold beverages of your choice, great friends & family, and I'll go out on a bit of a limb here and suggest, perhaps even a little sun.

And if the 4th has you in a patriotic mood (as it should), check out the mini-series John Adams, if you haven't already. I'm not sure a better depiction of the days leading up to the birth of our fine nation has ever been made.

It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. ... I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. -John Adams

Enjoy, and feel free to stop in for a cone. We'll be open regular hours (12-10pm) on the 4th.