One of the weirdest things about parenthood is how excited you are to share nostalgic events with them, and also how there’s a 50-50 chance that experience will be a core memory or the topic of a future therapy session. 

Examples include: 

• Santa
• Easter Bunny
• Roller Coasters
• Any of those large theme park characters
• The first tooth fairy visit
• And, most recently in my world, giving my 3-year-old Pop Rocks and watching him run to the front yard yelling “my mouth is exploding.”

This is largely our fault as adults, because we allow strange things to happen once a year in the interest of holidays. 

Sitting on a strangers lap in the mall in August? Not OK.

Sitting on a strangers lap in the mall in December? Totally fine.

Seeing a giant, egg-laying rabbit walking around in July? Not OK.

Seeing a giant, egg-laying rabbit walking around in March or April? Expected. 

Someone sneaking in your house at night and stealing a body part in exchange for money? Generally frowned upon, arguably organ trafficking. 

Someone sneaking in your house at night and stealing a tooth? Great childhood experience. 

As we approach July 4, this brings up another instance: fireworks.

Growing up in Huntsville, the rumor was that we’re number three on the “places to bomb” list after New York and Washington D.C. As I write this, I’m realizing that there’s probably no such list and that was just a teenager’s rumor. Still, explosions in the Huntsville skyline the other 365 days a year are terrifying, but explosions on July 4 are in the name of freedom.

If you’re looking for some fireworks, here are some options so you can go bond and/or terrify your child. Your call, no judgment here either way. 

July 1

Hazel Green Athletic Association Car Show and Fireworks

Where: Hazel Green Athletic Association 

When: July 1, 4 to 8 p.m.

What’s happening: Vendors, food, car show and fireworks to follow

June 30-July 2

Independence Weekend Celebration at MidCity

Where: Where the old Madison Square Mall was

When: All weekend

What’s happening: Events all weekend, including fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 2. See the full list of events here. 

July 3

2023 Star Spangled Celebration

Where: Dublin Park, Madison

When: Shuttle starts at 4:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 

What’s happening: “Enjoy Live music, inflatables for the kids, and an array of food vendors.”

4th Annual Woodshack Fireworks Show 

Where: Map here

When: 8:30 p.m.

What’s happening: Fireworks put on by Joshua Duchaine

The Five F’s: Food, Fun, Family, Friends and Fireworks

Where: 591 Old Elkton Pike, Fayetteville

When: July 3, 2 p.m.

What’s happening: 18-foot waterslide, corn hole, food, desserts, and fireworks to follow. Bring your own lawn chair. 

July 4