Celebrating the 4th of July in Munster, Indiana

I live in the small town of Munster, Indiana, located on the border of Illinois and Indiana. When I say "small town," I don't liken it to Mayberry but it is a far, far cry from Chicago, which is about 40 miles to the North.

While are fair town pales in comparison to the big city to the North, I can honestly say Munster holds its own in celebrations for the holidays, especially Christmas, Halloween and the 4^th of July.

Here is a look at celebrating the 4^th of July in Munster.

The town starts dressing for the occasion about a week before the 4^th. American flags fly proudly from all businesses while are street lamps are wrapped in red, white and blue paper. The sounds of fireworks shooting off can be heard for weeks in advance.

On the day of people from all directions can be seen walking with lawn chairs towards Calumet Avenue, the main street in Munster, in the late morning. Once you reach the intersection of Calumet and Ridge Road you start walking North or South to find a suitable spot to plop down in your chair or on the grass. The closer to noon the more difficult to find a suitable spot.

Usually the sky is bright, clear and such a picturesque blue it almost takes your breath away. The humidity level is already high so by the time you sit you are already in need of a rest. People sit talking to one another while fanning themselves to keep cool. The familiar sound of gleeful children running back and forth seemingly non-stop echoes up and down the street.

The smell of hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages fill the air from nearby restaurants that are grilling outside and selling to passersby.

Soon after noon you hear the sounds of cheering people and fire engine horns coming from the South heading North. People begin anticipating the oncoming parade as children quickly gather on the street curbs awaiting the onslaught of candy to be thrown to them.

Before too long the parade arrives and slowly passes by with music playing loudly and the fire engine horns drowning it out every time they sound. Participants wave to the crowd and the crowd waves back. The small pieces of candy come flying and the children race for them totally unaware of their parents' warnings to be careful.

For the next 20-30 minutes the floats and cars slowly pass and everyone is smiling and having a good time. Near the end the jovial attitude goes silent for a few moments as a float commemorating those soldiers who gave their lives so we can be here today passes. Most people bow their heads and some can be seen silently praying, perhaps to a loved one not with them this day. Just after that the mood is restored as veterans of Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf and Iraq come walking by. They are met with cheers and salutes, even from people who never served in the Armed Forces. The parade ends with a float carrying veterans from WWII who live in the area. The thunderous applause for these people is well deserved and a fitting way to conclude the proceedings.

For the next hour people mill around not particularly ready to go home. The sales of the grilled food increase as the smell has become more potent. The area clears and people make their way homes to do rest or celebrate privately.

As the afternoon passes and early evening arrives people get in their cars and head over to the high school for the evening fireworks celebration. Traffic on Calumet Avenue starts getting heavy around 6:30 even though the fireworks show won't start until a little after 9. Once you have navigated to a parking spot the trek to the school is usually a few blocks.

Finding a spot on the grass is a tricky proposition if you get there late enough. Blankets are laid out, coolers take up room and spots are saved for family members still navigating the parking lots in the area.

The sound of children playing is heard for blocks but as the sun starts setting the children seem to settle down more. Offers of soda pop, popcorn and candy aid in this process. By the time dusk has completely taken over everyone is settled in and ready for a good time. Children lean against the parents while moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers cuddle and smile in the moment of one of life's most simple pleasures.

Without warning the boom of the first set of fireworks rattles the area and the sky lights up with sparkling colors, umbrella shots and shooting stars. Music blares from the high school football field's p.a. and the sounds of "oohs" and "ahh's" radiate the entire area.

After twenty minutes of non-stop action the skies go quiet amidst the cheers of the crowd. Once the applause settles down there is a few moments of total silence save for the younger children inquiring as to whether it is over and the smiling parent informing them to wait and see, knowing full well more is to come.

On the loudspeaker blares the symphony heard at the conclusion of the 1995 Richard Dreyfuss movie, "Mr. Holland's Opus," and suddenly the ground shakes from the sudden and massive explosion of multiple shooting cannons of fireworks. The crowd watches silently for two minutes until one final multi-explosion that seems to last for thirty seconds. And then there is silence.

The huge crowd simultaneously explodes in claps and cheers as the sky is filled with smoke. People gather their things and head back to their cars, everyone smiling and laughing from the terrific show that is expected each year and fails to let you down.

Unfortunately there is the traffic situation that makes exiting a baseball game look like a day in the park. Those who live just a few minutes away end up home some 30 minutes later but no one cares for too long because everything is right and everyone is happy for at least that small window of time.

And then people start thinking about Halloween in Munster.