The city made the right call, and the celebration was great

Editor: 

I applaud the City of Gunnison for going ahead with its traditional Fourth of July celebration last weekend, including having a fireworks display. This portion of the holiday became highly controversial this year, in light of the highly active, destructive and dangerous wildfire situation we find ourselves in. 

I understand that the mere concept of fireworks seems counterintuitive in a Stage II Fire Ban. But did anyone really doubt that Gunnison could hold a fireworks show safely? I certainly did not. For one, if you’re going to blow stuff up over land, Jorgensen Park and its surrounding wetlands, fields, airport runway and other parkland seems to be about the perfect spot. 

Even more assuringly, in my view, is that Fire Chief Hugo Ferchau gave his professional thumbs up to the operation. When Hugo says we can rest easy, I’m sleeping peacefully before my head hits the pillow. He and the incredible crew of Gunnison Volunteer Firefighters deserve our thanks and gratitude — not the vitriol hurled over the fireworks decision. 

Now, if you have a problem with fireworks in general, that’s a different conversation. There’s no doubt that a pretty good case could be made that maybe this tradition has run its course — and that perhaps some variety of light show is a more suitable expression of patriotic celebration. I personally would be supportive of the city taking up that conversation, say, in January, when the temperature over the whole issue has cooled off. 

Regardless of one’s view on fireworks, though, what’s indisputable in my opinion is that Gunnison throws a heckuva Fourth of July celebration. Huge kudos to all the city crew working the event, particularly events coordinator Andy Eflin. (What a great afternoon and evening of music.) Kudos to the Gunnison Chamber for their role in Friday night’s balloon glow. 

And, boy, does Gunnison’s ethnic and cultural diversity really shine with the wonderful food options that turn up on this great American holiday. Peruvian, Columbian and Mexican fare … just for starters.

The smoke sure is laying heavy over the Gunnison community right now. It almost feels like metaphor for troubles that plague us all as our republic reaches the 250 year mark. But in times like these or any other, getting together for the sheer sake of celebrating, together, is always worth it. 

I’m already looking forward to next July Fourth. 

(P.S.: While we’re on the topic, I have two other suggested changes to America’s holiday. Perhaps we should re-brand it as Dependence Day, instead of independence, since acknowledging that we are all so interdependent seems like an apropos message in these “Don’t Tread on Me” times? Also, I’ve never been a huge fan of the “Star Spangled Banner” as our National Anthem. The Atlantic just made a good case for “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” I’m partial to “America the Beautiful” myself. Think Mayor Plata has any sway with the Powers-that-Be to initiate those discussions?) 

Chris Dickey 

Gunnison