The Backroads: Bringing in the year with a bang
By Sean Hart
Sunday, January 4, 2009 12:00 AM PST
Well, another one’s in the books. I’m curious what scholars will pen about 2008 for history publications, but, suffice it to say, I hope the upcoming pages of the 2009 edition lead us toward a happier ending — and that we don’t have to burn them to stay warm.
I also hope everyone had a good, safe time bringing in the new year. In Vale, the annual fireworks show on New Year’s Eve was spectacular. At 7 p.m., the first mid-air explosion lit up the night sky and the entire western slope of Rinehart Butte, just outside of town.
The show really was great. The colors, sizes and varieties of the fireworks created a dynamic scene that seemed to last forever. If you’ve never seen it, you definitely would not expect the quality of the New Year’s show in such a small town.
Bringing in the new year with a bang really has become a nice tradition in Vale. It started as a fire department project and has evolved into a community-supported event.
Organizer Dwight Keller, who was involved with the fire department when it handled the fireworks, said the Vale Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and City Council, along with many other individuals, fund the event, and people like himself donate their time to prepare and conduct the show.
Bruce Lawson, Jamieson, of Homeland Fireworks, puts on the show and donates his time, as well. Hats off to him, any who helped and all who contributed — it was an excellent way to kick off 2009. If you didn’t see it, you should really think about it next year.
Until then, I wish you and yours the best in your endeavors. Happy New Year!
Sean Hart is the lifestyle editor for the Argus Observer. He can be contacted at SeanH@argusobserver.com.
