Remember, Remember the Fifth of November

Today is Guy Fawkes Day. This is commemorated with Bonfire Night, where his effigy is burned in a bonfire, with the addition of fireworks and sparklers. The celebration is so similar to our 4^th of July, that is has me a little thrown. You hear fireworks popping all weekend, lots of people have off school this week, overhearing conversations on the train, “Do you have the meat for the barbecue? What about the fireworks? Yeah, everyone will be arriving around 6. Collin is bringing the spirits and Alice has the sweets.”

All weekend there was an array of firework shows, and I was determined to see at least one. I am a HUGE fan of fireworks “just because they’re pretty.” I went to the Blackheath Fireworks, because it was free and because the comprehensive list I found online had a little star that said “recommended” next to it. The website also mentioned that 100,000 people attend the Blackheath show annually, so it seemed like a good idea.

When I got off the bus and started walking toward the commons, I suddenly spied a tilter whirl in the distance. “Oh my god. IT’S A CARNIVAL!!” The group I was with started laughing at me, because without noticing, I had begun skipping and hopping toward the fairgrounds. “Oh look, she bounces! That’s fun.”

I tried to control the spring in my step, but found it impossible. I thrive on events like this, not as a participant, but as a spectator. As I approached the carnival, I was not disappointed. It was aesthetically pleasing and the positive energy was infectious. As we made our way through, finally some of the girls with me started to get excited. I think all of us had to control ourselves when we saw the human hamster ball area.

We made our way to the food stands, picked up some mulled wine to heat up our chilly hands, and waited for the fireworks. The huge crowd continued to gather as paper lanterns were lit and left to float into the sky, children played with their glowy swords in epic lightsaber battles, while groups of adults twirled sparklers around with the same enthusiasm.

Finally, a voice came over the loudspeaker and started a group countdown from ten. Then, boom! The fireworks began.

The show lasted for about 20 minutes and was absolutely beautiful. Mouth gaping, staring at the sky, eyes twinkling; I wished to never lose my sense of wonder.