During the July 4 extravaganza, the inflatables were kept busy and the noise of the band kept the drowsy from turning into sleepy.

The hot-dog stand had a never-ending line, the snow cone machine was constantly machining, and we ran out of the favorite drinks.

But when it got good and dark, all that became a “thing of the past,” and the skies lit up in punctuated beauty and flashes of brilliance.

And other than an occasional problem with the lighting torch being blown out by the wind, the 2010 4th of July extravaganza fireworks show was undoubtedly a success as measured by the “ooohs” and “aaahs” around where I was sitting.

The organizing committee appreciates the financial support by the area businesses and the helpful gift certificates and items given for the silent auction.

Our definition of success was to be able to pay the bills and have a crowd come to be together and watch the fireworks. Almost everything has been turned in and we remain in the black by just under $100.

The estimate on the size of the crowd is easily over 800, but how can we count the many who remained in the cars way up in the lots and over by our main building? We hope everyone who came to get a vantage point was able to enjoy the show from where they were!

Talk about “next year” has already surfaced. A big “thanks” goes out to Jim Morton, who organized, guided and ran this event for this year, to Scott Martin for continuing to work a good relationship with Union Fireworks, to Angela Martin for executing the many details essential to the food/drink success, and to Betty Hatch for joining forces with us and bringing in the Noisy Kung Fu band.

As we look to next year, we pray more of our community neighbors will hear of the planning meetings and join us to make this celebration of Independence Day the most it can be.