How I spent my 4th of July!

[n4gix 4,947]

This year I decided to volunteer my day to helping provide communications support for the City of Evanston's (Illinois) annual 4th of July Parade and evening fireworks down at the lakefront. I live in NW Indiana so it was a long drive for me, but it was worth the trip! Evanston has the distinction of having had the first and longest running annual Parade in Illinois, and draws entries from all around the nation.
 
North Shore Emergency Association (NSEA) has been doing this project since around 1966. My station was as the primary net control operator from the green/white lawn chair on the two base radios. I also passed along the necessary information to the gentleman to my left to enter into the laptop for logging purposes.
 
In the late afternoon, we relocated to the lakeshore and I again provided net control as well as operating the FM transmitter that broadcast the synchronized music and "firing cues" for the mortars in the firing pit. I had a blast, but it was a very L O N G day since I left home at 0700 CST on Monday and didn't get home until 0005 CST on Tuesday.

The command tent was set up just outside the safety area, so I had the closest view I've ever had of the spectacular fireworks as they burst almost directly overhead! :Applause:

The parade ready to start!

[x-plane 123 61]

I am very jealous of you! I am from Evanston (lived two blocks north from where your pictures were taken) and loved going to the parade and fireworks every year. Sadly I don't live there anymore, but I'll get back their for it one of these years.

[W2DR 1,859]

 It's been a long time since I've was able to help out. I wish I could still participate. Nice job Fr. Bill. The community needs guys and gals like you.

 

Doug (W2DR)

[vc10man 732]

:Applause: :Applause: :Applause: :Applause: :Applause: Hats off to you, Fr. Bill. 

[Matthew Kane 1,343]

Great job Fr. Bill.   :Applause:

[n4gix 4,947]

I am very jealous of you! I am from Evanston (lived two blocks north from where your pictures were taken) and loved going to the parade and fireworks every year. Sadly I don't live there anymore, but I'll get back their for it one of these years.

Ah, so the station was still Mobile when you lived there. It was sold 2 years ago and is now a Shell station (which is obvious from the picture). It is the ideal location for net control since it is at the starting position of the parade. Hopefully they will allow us to use that same location again.

Forgive the British naivety Fr. Bill .... but you were setting off fireworks in a Gas Station......??     

Ah no. This was the start position of the parade. We relocated a few miles south and east to setup on the lakeshore, well away from anything flammable!

 

I forgot to bring my camera from the car when I parked, so didn't get any pictures of the lakeshore station.

 

There was also a free concert for a few hours before the fireworks given be the Palatine Concert Band.

[Matthew Kane 1,343]

Yes I read "spectacular fireworks as they burst almost directly overhead" above the picture of the gas station as well but I figured that was command for the parade and the fireworks was somewhere else. 

 

Cheers Guys

[n4gix 4,947]

Yes I read "spectacular fireworks as they burst almost directly overhead" above the picture of the gas station as well but I figured that was command for the parade and the fireworks was somewhere else. 

I guess the previous paragraph was already forgotten. Once again with emphasis:

"In the late afternoon, we relocated to the lakeshore and I again provided net control as well as operating the FM transmitter that broadcast the synchronized music and "firing cues" for the mortars in the firing pit."

[HiFlyer 9,352]

Yes I read "spectacular fireworks as they burst almost directly overhead" above the picture of the gas station as well but I figured that was command for the parade and the fireworks was somewhere else. 

 

Cheers Guys

 

I pretty much just figured that somebody was really brave.......... Or wanted to star in an action movie......

[wilco1996 0]

Looks like so much fun! What a way to give back, while still enjoying an amazing day within American history! Way to go!