I don't know what happened, but someone seriously screwed up with last night's fireworks.

For those of you not from the United States, you probably know by now, but yesterday was the 4th of July, the anniversary of our nation's independence. The common tradition on the 4th is to have firework shows.

We chose to see the show that was right in our town at the local fairgrounds, so close, infact, that we could walk there from our house. We went last year, and the fireworks were great. Half an hour long firework show, lots of people, questionable foods, music, and a generally all-around nice time.

Obviously, we thought that going back again this year was a good idea...

So, we gathered up our camping chairs, our walking shoes and took our stroll. We got there after about 15 minutes, found a spot, set up our chairs and relaxed. There was a big crowd, concession stands, and big flood lights (they're important later). The music wasn't exactly what we would have liked (some country bar band or something), but it was alright, I guess.

To make things better, a couple good friends of ours walked right past us, so we got their attention and they joined us.

The sun went down, the flood lights turned off, the band shut up, and the fireworks started. At this point, some of the more classical, patriotic music started like Yankee Doodle Dandy, 1812 overture, etc started playing. All was good.

It started out as your typical fireworks show...rather enjoyable. Then, near the inevitable end, one of the flood lights came back on. Huh?? Whatever, you could still see the fireworks.

And finally, the finale (see what I did there?)...or was it? Just as the fireworks started to build up, they stopped...and continued as they had at the beginning, at their regular intervals. Again...huh?? By this time, the other flood light had come on.

Then, the Star-Spangled Banner came on. "Okay," I thought, "this must be where the finale comes on". But, it never happened. The fireworks continued along their regular rythm, and when it seemed like they were building to a finale, they stopped and continued as normal.

The National Anthem was over, the flood lights were on, and people were leaving...yet the fireworks were still firing at their typical rate...1, 2, or 3 at a time. Another sub-finale built up, then died, continuing as normal. This happened three more times, without music, flood lights bright, and people still leaving.

Finally, the last flare erupted, and it was over....no finale, no musical build up, no darkness...and people were already on their way out.

I don't know who the project planner was for this thing, but I hope he doesn't have a job after today.

Worst. Fireworks. Ever.