The second annual Boom Over the Bay fireworks display had the same zipping sparklers, whiz bang whistles and colored umbrellas as the first.
But this year, after the smoke cleared over Presque Isle Bay, the noise stopped, too.
The first time City leaders decided to tow a barge out into the bay to blast fireworks led to a lot of them being blasted too.
Viewers complained that the fireworks were poorly positioned, didn’t last long enough and couldn’t be seen entirely along the bluff.
Neighbors complained of people parking in their yards or leaving debris behind.
Those who went onto the Peninsula to watch the display complained that it took hours to get through the park’s lone double lane exit road.
In other words, the booming about Boom Over the Bay I lasted far longer than the show’s fifteen minute run time.
But the silence that followed this year’s show should stand as proof that everyone learned from the display’s rookie season.
The administration learned where to position the barge and how to use EMTA trolleys to reduce the number of vehicles jamming the bluff.
The police learned where the trouble spots were and assigned staff to keep the peace and keep things moving.
And the public learned, too, where to go and how to get there, and learned that a little planning can lead to a lot of patience in making sure that everyone gets their turn to get out.
Let’s face it.
Rookie mistakes were made last year. That’s part of being human.
But the reporter in me senses something unfair if we hold the City’s collective feet to the fire for last year’s mistakes but make no mention of this year’s learning curve.
So, since nature abhors a vacuum, allow me:
It was a free show on a beautiful deep blue summer night. We gathered to celebrate America’s birthday and left with few complaints over what we saw, how we got there and how long it took to get back out.
Thanks guys.