Growing up fireworks were reserved for the 4th of July. It was a uniquely special occasion and while I don’t remember exactly what those first experience looked and sounded like, I remember the anticipation as a young kid. As fireworks have become ubiquitous, I’m less enthralled with them. However, I would probably enjoy them more if I were with young kids experiencing them for the first time. In my warped mind, fireworks are for special occasions. For years, Navy Pier had fireworks twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) which was a boon for tourism in the city.

Over the past thirty years or so minor league baseball has provided a wonderful backdrop of the fireworks experience. Ballparks are self-contained environments and for families the postgame fireworks kill two birds with one stone. While not an American invention, fireworks have are essentially American.

The expression as American as baseball, hotdogs and apple pie (later to include Chevrolet) has become part of our shared lexicon. For over a half a century, Chevrolet has done an excellent job of adding their product to the famous trio-none of whom are associated with a particular brand though. I’ve seen an updated version of “See the USA in your Chevrolet” and can’t help but be reminded of Dinah Shore and Tom T. Hall’s versions year ago. Even though I’ve been driving a Carolla for the past 17 years I’ve very much enjoyed seeing the USA and minor league cities on the road. And in a past life, I consumed my fair share of hotdogs and apple pie and would have been an ideal spokesperson.

If you still read newspapers as I do, you’ll noted all of the listings for fireworks shows in your community. There is no shortage of celebrations this weekend. Traditional fireworks have been replaced by drone shows and all of the independent minor league teams in town have some kind of show. Most if not all, have added all sorts of tricks to induce families to spend the evening with them.

The White Sox have incorporated fireworks into their Friday night home games for years and many fans won’t consider the evening complete until after the show is over.

And to the best of my knowledge, last night was the Cubs first foray into postgame fireworks. Coincidentally, their oldest true rivals put on their own pyrotechnic show yesterday (STL won 17-1). I have no idea how many boobs stuck around, but if I were at the game, I’d do everything I could to get the hell out of the ballpark and neighborhood.

Two years ago, I used the 4th of July postgame extravaganza to beat the crowds in East Lake, Ohio. The fireworks were an excellent diversion.

As I watch the Cubs-Cards tonight, I’ll hear the local show in the background. Enjoy the fireworks wherever you are and have a Happy Independence Day!