As an American-Filipino, I can think back fondly on most of my 4th of July celebrations. There was one-night that I won’t soon forget.

I was visiting my friends Cindy, Cristina, Matt and their children in the Sedro-Woolley area. There was adventure, exploring the fair, a rodeo, a BBQ and eventually the neighborhood fireworks show.

In The Morning …

Cristina was participating in a 5K race early in the morning so Cindy, the kids, and yours truly cheered her on then migrated to the Sedro Woolley Fair and Rodeo. That lasted as long as the kids could hold out for before becoming hungry, and tired.

I have some awesome photos of the rodeo and more.

We posted up at a restaurant for brunch, if my memory serves me well.

We scaled back to the house for the afternoon BBQ, I especially loved the lechon. Fairly certain that’s when WCP joined us.

Tequila Sunset

After the BBQ, the sun started to set. Sedro-Woolley’s close proximity to the Indian Reservation meant every house on the block bought an munitions pile of fireworks, aerials, and explosives.

I’m sure to celebrate America’s birthday, they were gonna blow up the neighborhood – in a figurative way only.

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The boys of the neighborhood designed a wooden launch pad for Saturn Missile Rockets, cherry bombs, and so much more. Ingenious if you ask me. Hours into the ordeal, though.

The unthinkable happened …

The wooden platform with lit fuses are several items tipped over. The fireworks started firing in the direction of open garage doors, especially Cristina’s and Matt’s which had the above pictured arsenal of explosives, and at the by-standers and vehicles.

Everyone screamed as they sought shelter from the fiery mess. I Bo-DUKED it over the hood of the nearest car for cover. I watched the hot mess between the house, and side panel of a Ford Taurus. Saturn Missiles were whizzing by like errant mortar shells. I saw a few fly into the garage.

I knew it was only a matter of time and chance before that pile was ignited. I bolted from my cover into the garage. I shut the door behind me, just in time to hear a thud or two against the door.

FINALLY. SILENCE.

The battery of fireworks was exhausted. This unceremoniously ended the night’s celebration. We didn’t expect that to be a scene outta Call of Duty.

I’m wishing all y’all a happy and safe Red, White, and *bOoM* Day.

‘los; out