There are so many catch phrases to describe America and the freedom we enjoy: Home of the Free, Land of the Brave.

Or, as a wise person once said, "Let freedom ring, sparkle and explode throughout the land."

"Fireworks Over Des Moines" starts about 10:15 p.m., July 4th, , in the Des Moines Marina. Western Display Fireworks Ltd is ready to go with a show that could just 'knock your socks off." (Not literally)

Absolute professionals in the business of sparkle and explode, these Western officials are ready to fire the fuses for America again, as they have since 2001.

After their first Des Moines show, I wrote, "It was a blast, one right after another that thrilled the unofficially estimated crowd of 10,000 spectators."

From noon to 6 p.m. July 4th, marina gates will be closed to set up for fireworks and other family fun and kid's activities. When they reopen at 6 p.m. expect food vendors, kids games, art, and something for most every interest.

From 6-7 p.m. Cheeters Brass Band will entertain. From 9-10 p.m., the Grand Slam performance of Des Moines own famous entertainer, Joey Jewell, and his outstanding Frank Sinatra imitations featuring the terrific Swing Session big band music.

Then the day's Grand Finale--"Fireworks Over Des Moines."

From the fishing pier, fireworks experts described to me what it's like to set off two foot-tall mortars. "It's almost like a Star Wars encountering," Fireworks pyrotechnician Kermit Naylor a seasoned technician said. "It's exhilarating when crowds cheer."

Usually three workers are bent over in a crouched position armed with highway flares. They look under a burning fire for a fuse, pull off a paper lid and light the fuse.

A big boom blasts over their heads, followed by billows of smoke swirling around and absorbing them into what seems like a hyperspace event.

The launched handmade shells travel at 60 feet a minute.

It's beginning to look a lot like a "Waterland Festival!"

Water district commissioner Alli Larkin observed, "This day is spectacular and brings together families and all nationalities to have a great time."

Ah yes, a day like this is the stuff that makes wonderful family memories close to home and a free public event thanks to local sponsors, Powell Homes, The Legacy Foundation, Dom Construction, Puget Sound Energy and anonymous local citizens.

Parking is limited so people are encouraged to walk to the marina, carpool, and park on city streets downtown. Disabled parking is available.

Check point gates will be at both north and south entrances.

Beach Park will be open to foot traffic only so, if you want to picnic plan to drop off your supplies with people at the entrance and park either in the marina's south end or city street.

Please note-- No alcohol or private fireworks are allowed at any of these events and a violation is subject to monetary penalty.

Friday, July 4th parking within Beach Park is only for Argosy Cruise Water Taxi patrons and vendors where a shuttle service takes them to the marina. Other scheduled days, cruise patrons can park in the north marina lot. All event parking is free.

The fun continues Saturday, July 5th, when the "Spirit of Des Moines Festival" opens from 10 a.m-6p.m., with family fun, arts, food vendors and entertainment by the Randy Oxford Band from1-3pm and Jr. Cadillac from 4-6pm. Admission is free.

A little history for the soul's sake is that Cliff Hanna, a Redondo/Des Moines resident started "Fireworks Over Des Moines" in 2001.

The Waterland Festival Fireworks were started by me in 1980 when I was a Chamber volunteer.

There had been no fireworks since 1965 due to an injury accident so, I selected the fishing pier location and professionals to celebrate the opening of the Waterland Festival.

We kids of all ages do love fireworks and festivals!

Days like this are a remarkable salute to our American heritage and good memories.

I'm reminded of an old song's lyrics, "What a day this has been, what a rare mood I'm in, why it's almost like falling in love."

We do have a love affair with America - and that's worth celebrating!

Thought: The right word is effective, yet, no word was ever as effective as a rightly-timed pause." (Mark Twain)