As you can tell by the photos, this ain’t Vegas.  Back on the Central Coast for July, we celebrated this little piece of paradise on the planet with a Bar-B-Q on the patio in San Luis Obipso (known to natives as SLO)

and followed with fireworks on the beach by the Pismo Pier.

A perfect day in paradise……

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They started promptly at 9pm and went on for more than 20 minutes with a splendid array of color, including marvelous white “spermy-like” spirals swimming their way across the night sky – a first time view for me at least. Although put on entirely for their own pleasure, I still appreciate the show which was 99% aerial – easily viewed by anyone in that part of town. The Hilton followed exactly on cue with their pyrotechnic show launched from the parking garage a block away, a shorter version but just as awesome and spectacular.

Unannounced officially, these two shows might have been more exciting because they were unexpected. I don’t know who makes the decisions about fireworks on the Strip – obviously for the hotels it is a business choice. There have been shows on the 4th in the past, but not last night, save for the Hilton. I do know that there must have been a few disappointed tourists, not to mention locals, who made their way out of the casinos to watch a show that didn’t happen.

I read that the Hilton Hotels have been sold for zillions of dollars cash – who knows what next year will bring? This can be a hard town to live in – it’s exciting and full of surprises, but those same qualities make it unpredictable and ephemeral. You think you might have the beginnings of a tradition, and poof! it’s gone in an instant. That goes for tall buildings to live jazz. If you’re not comfortable with constant change, you’re probably going to feel a bit lost and frustrated.

But this is Las Vegas – we’re supposed to do everything bigger and bolder and more over the top. At least there are a couple of groups that try to keep the standard.

Thank you Hilton!!! Thank you Las Vegas Country Club!!!

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Thank you to that bunch of genuises filled with vision and courage that locked themselves up in Philadelphia 231 years ago and signed that glorious document called the Declaration of Independence, starting this whole wonderful American adventure. Here’s to all the good times and the bad times – the wars, the triumphs, the panics, the recoveries, the shame, the tragedies, the courage, conviction, innovation and pride of America. No place is perfect, but we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping the dream of that Declaration alive, well and thriving.

No matter how you are celebrating today, I hope you take time to reflect on the great gift our predecessors have passed on to us and that no matter how disgusted and fed up we might feel when we read the paper or see the news, this is still the greatest place on the planet for the most number of people. And if there are things we don’t like, think about those men who joined together in 1776 and did something about it.

Have fun, be safe and be happy to be American!

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Gates open at 4:30 pm with performance at 8 pm. Picnic baskets welcome or buy from vendors.
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The Fourth of July celebration runs from 6:00pm to the dazzling fireworks display at approximately 9:00 pm from the top of City Hall.

Look for sand sculpture created by local artist Steven Liguori. Vendors will be selling food and beverages. It’s a great family outing with a list of children’s activites ($10 fee gives unlimited access):
~Bounces, Giant slide, obstacle course
~Rad Hatter (make & take your own 4th of July hat)
~Train rides
~Water Balloon Water Wars
~Sand play area (bring your own bucket and shovel)
~Water play area (bring your suits)
~Spray park, water Slide, paddle boats

Admission and parking are FREE! There will be shuttle parking from Morrell Park. The events take place along Water Street between Atlantic and Henderson Events Center. (Just off Boulder Highway and Lake Mead Drive). visithenderson.com

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