Somehow we managed to live in Foster City for 3 years without seeing the Independence Day firework. This year we planned to remedy that.
Foster City is a "planned" community built in 1958 by a developer named, you know it, Foster. It is a 4 squre mile of land (a lot of it is landfill) connected by a system of lagoons. Some say it was modelled on the famous Venice. The firework takes place on the main lagoon by a park and community center. This year it was set to start at 9:15pm sharp.
We took out our inflatable kayak and started paddling around 8:30. Along the way we passed padio parties and an occasional home-spun fireworks. It was always fun to look at other people's houses from the water -- houses somehow look more interesting this way. We were joined and passed by quite a few electic powered boats that are standard in these lagoons -- the city forbids anything gas powered. Sometimes we managed to pass some other little man-powered boats that are either more technologically inferior or with more pathetic crews. Nearing the firework site, boat traffic is getting more congested. The lagoon was filled with all sorts of things that float: sailboats, paddleboats, kayaks, electirc touring boats, and a yacht or two. On the shore, flocks of people were also arriving on foot. American flags were waving, children were shouting, loud music was playing on and off the shore. The air was filled intermittently with aromas of barbeque. Yes, this was July the 4th, a very festive day.
At 9:15, when the last ray of the settng sun has departed, the fireworks begin. As firework blossomed in the night sky, reflecting prettily on the water, there were bangs and whistles, followed by wow and ahhs, and squealing of kids in neighbouring boats. Not a spectacular show, but sitting on a gentle rocking kayak in the fresh cool night breeze, all was fun and light spirited.
After the finale, there was applause all around. All boats sounded their horns (if they had one) and dispersed through the lagoons. On the way back we enjoyed quite a few more spontaneous private fireworks. As we got home, the night had deepened, still there were sounds of celebrations. Festivals, such a human thing. We would just take about any excuse, be it independence, new year, or someone's birthday, to celebrate, to eat, drink, and be merry. And fireworks somehow always make a festival seem official.
生日和谐趣园 
