Fireworks '08

[Veloise]

Leading off with the obligatory handsome men in uniform shot.

These are popsicle pushers. At some public events they strip-search you, but here, it's "would you like a popsicle?"

Free chips & salsa

Bozo is on the left.

This corner sure looks different than in January 07.

How to pass time during the long wait: a crossword!

Of course the petition people were out. They set up shop here.

Here comes the cavalry--now let's get this party started! The horses are outfitted with reflective ankle bracelets. (I'll put more pedicab shots in that thread.)

Hellfire & damnation guy (wouldn't be a public event in GR without one)

The button

Another way to pass time.

Bit of a high water line today.

The obligatory skyline shot

More to follow...

[monsoon]

Thanks for sharing. That little kid seems scared to death of that clown. LOL He is a bit frightening looking.

[d8alterego]

Bozo is on the left.

[Veloise]

Here are the rest (except for the pedicab pics)

One or two people here

Natchez Trace

Why on earth would you let your kid play with fire while sitting on a blanket and in the middle of a huge crowd? (Yes, I sent someone attired in blue over to discuss this.)

The Katinas (they were good, if loud)

GRFD hosing down DVP prior to the pyrotechnics

[rant]

Next year it would be nice to see some recycle bins. And I think, if I volunteer again, just before the main act I will grab some trash bags and some other helpers, walk through and collect stuff before everyone evacuates after the show. Popsicle wrappers and sticks, cups, water bottles, spilled fries. Last night I collected family stuff left behind: kiddie meal garbage. What are you teaching your children, folks? When I picked up the diaper, I decided that was it.

[/rant]

[Allison Slater]

Yeah every year I've been to the fireworks shows I left absolutely disgusted by all the trash lying around. I won't offer my volunteer services to clean up because by the end of the night I would be far too upset and furious.

[valdez]

A couple of short videos from our spot on a roof on Ionia. Perhaps not the best view but unique.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpro-v/2645588811/

http://vimeo.com/1291890

[GRJunkie4Life]

Turnout seemed good...but has anyone seen or heard "official" estimates? I'm wondering if traffic was better/worse because of the Mayweather "festivities" and higher gas prices forcing people to stick around.

[Allison Slater]

Traffic was bad enough to warrant parking the pedicabs about an hour prior and telling people they'd be better off walking. Same as with the 30 minutes or so after.

[Thrillhouse]

Traffic was bad enough to warrant parking the pedicabs about an hour prior and telling people they'd be better off walking. Same as with the 30 minutes or so after.

[Allison Slater]

Thanks for the compliment. <<