An Explosive Evening

Have I mentioned that I love living in this city?

Last night, Iwanski and I were walking near Millennium Park, when we heard something that sounded like a big explosion.

“What the heck was that?” I said.

“It sounds like fireworks,” replied Iwanski. “I wonder if there are fireworks somewhere downtown tonight?”

We walked on, talking about our days, as the barrage of explosions (which sounded like bombshells) continued.

Suddenly, Iwanski stopped walking and turned to me.

“Isn’t it funny?—we’re so used to hearing strange sounds in the city, that we don’t even question them. There could be a terrorist attack and we wouldn’t even know it.”

“I know,” I laughed. “It’s crazy. But anyway, like I was saying…”

We walked along, talking about mundane things, as the explosions continued to get louder.

“It has to be fireworks,” said Iwanski. “I’ll bet they’re doing fireworks over the river tonight.”

“Yeah, let’s go check it out,” I replied.

We meandered over to the river and immediately saw the spectacular fireworks display that was going on right over the river, just a mere block from our apartment building. It was amazing-looking…and amazingly loud!

I covered my ears slightly and turned to Iwanski.

“Why is it so loud?” I yelled.

“It’s echoing off the buildings,” he replied, setting his camera into place on the concrete ledge above the riverwalk and starting to take some pictures. “And I think it’s part of the movie that they’re filming across the street.”

I looked across the street and saw a humongous light suspended from the top of a crane, pointed near where the fireworks were going off.

“Yeah, I think you might be right,” I said, leaning on the concrete ledge and watching the show.

For the next fifteen minutes, we were treated to a nonstop beautiful, spectacular, booming fireworks display. It was freakin’ awesome!

As we stood there, enjoying the show, people began to gather around us, snapping pictures and just enjoying the beautiful night and the amazing display. I also noticed people gathering on the other bridges up and down the river. There was just no way that a passerby could resist stopping and checking out the show. It was just so cool.

I also noticed the huge clouds of smoke floating up and between the nearby skyscrapers. To me, it looked like the smoke from a gigantic fire had enveloped the city. It was definitely an amazing sight.

Finally, the show ended, and immediately a huge applause and a chorus of “Whooooooo!”s rose up from the crowd of spectators. I joined in with my own “Whooooo!,” smiling from ear to ear.

It was just such a great impromptu city moment, and I am so glad that I got to be a part of it.



Photo credit: John Iwanski