Explosions of Joy: Celebrating the 4th in New Bern

Colors in the sky and warmth in our hearts.

You can feel the anticipation as the sun sets over New Bern, North Carolina. The fireworks are set off over the Neuse River, so you get a double display. I went for the first time last year and was so impressed.

People go out in their boats and watch them. There’s a park on one side of the river and a marina on the other, with a hotel that has tiki decks on the river. Of course, I went for the tiki decks. There's nothing like getting served a meal and wine while watching the display. I’m so spoiled!

On the other side, Union Point Park has street vendors, and the air is filled with mouthwatering scents of food. There were hot dogs and hamburgers, funnel cakes, and ice-cold lemonade offerings.

A local band played patriotic tunes, their music mingling with laughter and conversation.

As dusk turned to night, the excitement grew. The sky darkened to a deep blue, and the first stars began to twinkle. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to the sky as the first firework shot up, exploding in a brilliant burst…