A mystery possibly solved
Since we began working at the new building (which, by this point, we really shouldn't be calling the new building because we've been there nearly 6 years now, but we were at the other building for nearly 20, so it's still new to us), just about every year we've been working overtime around this time. In 2005, we were on OT, when g_shadowslayer came to my part of the floor saying, "You've got to see this." When I got outside, the area down the road was lit up with fireworks. A very nice display of fireworks. We couldn't think of any reason why there'd be fireworks, since the next weekend was the 4th and there was a big display at the MC Fairgrounds. We never see it because the buildings to the right of us block our view, but we always hear it.
So, the next year, again working OT, we waited around the same time and sure enough - fireworks. We've always thought it was the company doing the MCF show, to test the equipment, cause it was always the weekend before the 4th of July one. The third year (I think it was that year) a storm was coming into the area, so we not only had fireworks, but we had Mother Nature showing off that she could do it better. That year the bats went crazy with all the concussive noise. I remember one flying around in a circle for a bit.
In 2008, we weren't working OT and we were trying to get there on time, but I overestimated the time it would start. Saw a bit of it from 270, but not all of it...sigh.
Last year. OT. Go out with the security guard (who was also with us when the lightning storm came in) and watch it from the front of the building. Unfortunately, a new building (which wasn't quite done yet) was blocking part of it, but still, it's a free show. I'm certainly not going to argue.
This year. No OT. However, did much better with the timing and were in front of the building maybe five minutes before they started. Great show, even with the building somewhat in the way. Just had to change the area we were viewing it from. All-in-all, very nice.
So, as we're heading down 355 to go get something to eat (because neither of us had eaten for quite a while), we get stopped at the entrance of the country club because there are mobs of cars pouring out it. Now, we think this is possibly what we've been seeing. We figure the country club has its own private pre-4th show (so as not to compete with MCF) and we've been watching that for the last few years. Can't say I'm upset. All those people paid and I got to watch it without paying and without dealing with the crowd.
So, the next year, again working OT, we waited around the same time and sure enough - fireworks. We've always thought it was the company doing the MCF show, to test the equipment, cause it was always the weekend before the 4th of July one. The third year (I think it was that year) a storm was coming into the area, so we not only had fireworks, but we had Mother Nature showing off that she could do it better. That year the bats went crazy with all the concussive noise. I remember one flying around in a circle for a bit.
In 2008, we weren't working OT and we were trying to get there on time, but I overestimated the time it would start. Saw a bit of it from 270, but not all of it...sigh.
Last year. OT. Go out with the security guard (who was also with us when the lightning storm came in) and watch it from the front of the building. Unfortunately, a new building (which wasn't quite done yet) was blocking part of it, but still, it's a free show. I'm certainly not going to argue.
This year. No OT. However, did much better with the timing and were in front of the building maybe five minutes before they started. Great show, even with the building somewhat in the way. Just had to change the area we were viewing it from. All-in-all, very nice.
So, as we're heading down 355 to go get something to eat (because neither of us had eaten for quite a while), we get stopped at the entrance of the country club because there are mobs of cars pouring out it. Now, we think this is possibly what we've been seeing. We figure the country club has its own private pre-4th show (so as not to compete with MCF) and we've been watching that for the last few years. Can't say I'm upset. All those people paid and I got to watch it without paying and without dealing with the crowd.