Fourth of July closures; a little fireworks history
The United States is celebrating its 249th birthday on Friday, July 4, and Highland Lakes government offices, post offices, and banks will be closed in observance of Independence Day. Some local businesses also might be closed or have adjusted hours, but H-E-B and Walmart stores will operate normally.
FIREWORKS
Most Highland Lakes cities ban the use of fireworks unless part of an official celebration. Granite Shoals is the sole exception, allowing fireworks within city limits on private property with permission from the owner from 1-11 p.m. July 4.
Revelers in the unincorporated areas of Burnet and Llano counties are also allowed to set off fireworks on private property as long a burn ban is not in effect. Neither county has a ban as of Thursday, July 3.
Fireworks are a longstanding celebration of U.S. independence. The first true pyrotechnics took place during the Revolutionary War in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, one year after the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.
Founding father John Adams, who went on to become the nation’s second president, wrote this to wife Abigail following the signing of the Declaration of Independence:
“(This day) ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
Historians consider the reference to “illuminations” as fireworks.
Americans weren’t the only ones celebrating big events with a big bang. English monarchs routinely used fireworks during royal celebrations, such as weddings and coronations, stretching as far back as Henry VII in 1486. Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England from 1558-1603, even had her own “fire master” who routinely coordinated fireworks displays. By the 1700s, fireworks were a common sight at national commemorations across Europe.
Fireworks are far older than these celebrations. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, they were created in China sometime around 200 B.C.
The first fireworks are believed to have been more of a firecracker, made from a hollow stalk of bamboo that was thrown into a fire to create a loud “bang.”
True fireworks came later, around 600-900 A.D., with the discovery of primitive gunpowder, a blend of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal. This mixture was poured into bamboo stalks or paper tubes and ignited to produce the first man-made explosives.
By the 13th and 14th centuries, fireworks had made their way to Europe from China and would soon become a regular sight at celebrations across the continent.
Find Fourth of July fireworks shows across the Highland Lakes in this holiday event roundup.
Very much enjoyed reading this history to grandkids.