Sometimes dangerous, always fun

My favorite memories of Arlington were our family reunions to watch the annual fireworks show. My dad and stepmother would arrive early in the afternoon to hold a few benches so all of us could sit together. As the afternoon turned to evening, my brother and stepsisters would show up with their families and we would have a few hours to catch up before the show.

The most memorable year was when the wind was blowing toward the grandstand and we were dodging some shrapnel paper bits from low exploding shells. You really couldn't beat the experience of being there with family and having that close up, right there in front of you Arlington fireworks experience with explosions reverberating off the grandstand.

Thank you, Arlington, for all those great (and at times seemingly dangerous) fireworks shows. Bring on the Bears!

Chris Thomsen

Palatine