July 4th Traditions

We asked UGM staff and residents about their past or present Fourth of July traditions. Here’s what they had to say.

“We go watch fireworks over Lake Coeur d' Alene! –Jen McKenna, Staff

“Each year, we head to our cabin in Montana with family friends. Lots of fun events and a fireworks show in Troy, MT. They put on an all-day event ending with fireworks. We always enjoy fishing, water skiing in beautiful Koocanusa Lake, ATV riding, lots of food, fun and fellowship. We spend time sitting around the campfire talking about the Lord and how thankful we are for Him, this part I especially enjoy. Some of the ‘children’ are now in their 20’s, but they still look forward to this tradition each year, the highlight of the summer for all.” –Carla Sanderson, Staff

“I took my kids to Bridge Park on the Mississippi River to watch fireworks.” –Wendy, Resident

“We attended a big BBQ at the fairgrounds every year in Lewistown, MT then stayed for the fireworks.” –Linda, Resident 

“We have a Simmons family croquet tournament with interesting obstacles to make it more interesting. The winner gets the coveted trophy. The loser gets burnt toast.” –Anne Simmons, Staff

“When I was a kid (long ago), we didn’t have money to buy any kind of 4^th of July celebration fireworks so we improvised by “shooting Carbide.”  99 out of 100 people don’t know what I’m talking about so here goes.  You took a small metal paint can (about a quart size), which had been cleaned out real good, and punched a hole in the bottom of it.  You then put about 6 or 8 pieces of carbide in the can. (Carbide was used in the old coal miner’s lamp that hung on his cap as he dug for coal.  It gave out quite a bright light.  That’s another story though.) Everyone would take turns spitting into the can to get the carbide wet.  It would start to fuzz and fizzle, so then you put the paint can lid on it real tight.  You then placed it on the ground, and usually, the kid with shoes on would put his foot on the can to hold it down, strike a match, and hold it to the hole on the bottom of the can. If all had been done right, then you’d get a very loud “Boom!” as the lid went flying down the street.  Someone would go after the lid, and you’d do the process all over again. In our small town, about 200 people, you’d hear booms coming from everywhere. ” –Jim Roe, Staff

“My Dad used to buy us watermelon and soda. That was a real treat!” –Pat, Resident

“Since I was in a military family, we always went to the airfield to watch fireworks.” –Robin, Resident

“Camping, boating, and watching the amazing fireworks over the water. Pretty spectacular.” –JoAnn Zajicek, Staff

“I remember as a kid lighting “Ladyfingers” and starting the snakes and watching them grow. It was even more special if we got the ones that had color to them. Anticipation seemed to grow with each passing hour until we got to light sparklers. As soon as we lit those, we knew it would only be a short time until we got to light the night display stuff. We always had a little mischief time too. We had Bottle Rocket fights with the neighbors. It always seemed to turn out okay. Is it just me or was it really a fun simpler time?” –Rhonda Bourgoin, Staff

“We often went to my uncle’s cabin on Clear Lake where we would all gather the same type of firework and blow them all up at once. He always spent a lot of money on them.” –Jessaca, Resident

Have a great Fourth of July creating and carrying on traditions!

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