Fireworks in Plano, TX

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The 250th anniversary of the founding of my adopted country should have been a great day for celebration. However it was a challenge to feel patriotic and celebratory in the current political environment. I have fond memories of concerts and fireworks on the Mall on July 4th but this year, I'm glad to have moved out of the DC area. Instead, I went to the City of Plano's annual family-friendly "All American 4th" with food trucks, kids activities, live entertainment and fireworks.
The event was held at the Collin College Spring Creek campus grounds, 6-10 pm. The college is next to Oak Point Recreation Center where I go to workout and swim. I drove Roxie (my little RV) to the rec center at 3 pm, found a shady spot to park, then had a leisurely work out until the center closed at six. Went to the RV, turned on the generator and ac (it was very hot and humid outside) and relaxed. Despite the heat, a couple had camping chairs out near my spot. They told me that they were waiting for the military fly over scheduled in about 30 minutes. Sure enough, four jets flew over at exactly 6:45 pm. If you squint hard, you may be able to see two of the jets in the photo below.
By 7 pm, a lot of cars had arrived, looking for parking. It was nice to see families loading wagons for a picnic at the event. Even more hearthening was the amazing ethnic diversity of those heading for the event area: to me it symbolized the America that I believe in. The sun started to set around 8:30 pm, making the heat bearable. I got out of the RV and joined the crowd, a short walk up the hill. As promised, there was music, food trucks (long lines!) and free water (courtesy of HEB). Found a nice grassy spot to put my collapsible camping chair on and people watched.
The fireworks started right on time. It was a great display, 20-25 mins long. I took a lot of photos and videos when I should have been watching and enjoying the moment. And then it was time to pack up and join the crowds exiting the grounds. It was still humid outside. I sat in Roxie with the ac on for a good 15 minutes, waiting for exits to clear before driving home.

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