Posted on July 9, 2006 - by deCadmus

Independence Day 2006

For a bang-up Fourth of July parade, there’s no place I’d rather be than a small town in Vermont. From the community bands, to the flag-flying-farm-tractors, to the local squadron of the Lawn Chair March & Drill Team, it’s a family affair, a community effort, and a point of pride that Vermonters can hang their collective hat on. That’s to say nothing of the neighborhood lemonade stands, frog-jumping races and mini-golf for all. But don’t take my word for it… see for yourself.

While the parade was a pleasure, shooting the fireworks was a more daunting task. What with a mild winter and a very soggy spring, mosquito populations have exploded. More, as this particular population of mosquitoes lives within shouting distance of the 158th Fighter Wing (AKA, the Green Mountain Boys), they’ve learned a thing or two about flying in formation. It’s only with the dedicated efforts of a former neighbor (who drove in from Indiana for the occasion) that we were able to defend against the skeeter attack — especially during the longer exposures. While I’d press the shutter button and commence to swatting furiously, John-Park would hold down the tripod with one hand (lest it get carried away) and spray sweeping arcs of Deet with the other. It was hit and miss, but we snagged a few photos that are — hopefully — worth the electrons they’re printed on.

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