Page 56 - OTHS-JULY2026

PAGE 54 www.OverTheHumpSaver.com July 2026

SENIOR SERENITY

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS The local proudly says, “It’s our tradition.”

A small town hires a new fireworks expert for its annual The tourist watches.
4th of July celebration.
A marching band goes by.
The mayor asks him, “Are you really qualified?”
Then tractors.
The man says, “Absolutely. I’ve studied fireworks for
thirty years.” Then antique cars.

The mayor is impressed and gives him complete control. Then horses.
For weeks the expert plans the biggest display the town Then politicians.
has ever seen. On July Fourth, thousands gather.

Then more tractors.
The expert steps onto the platform and lights the first
fuse. Nothing happens. Then another band.

He checks his notes. Lights the second fuse. Nothing. Hours later he asks, “How many people live in this
town?”
The crowd starts murmuring.
“About 800.”
He lights the third fuse. Still nothing.
The tourist is confused.
The mayor storms over. “I thought you were an expert!”
“Then why does the parade have thousands of
The man nods confidently. “I am.” participants?”

“Then why isn’t anything happening?” The local shrugs.

The expert sighs. “Because everybody keeps circling the block.”

“Because I’m an expert on fireworks.”

“Right!”

“I never said I knew anything about lighting them.”

THE TOURIST AND THE

SMALL-TOWN PARADE

A tourist visits a tiny town for their annual July Fourth
parade. He notices the parade starts at noon but doesn’t
end until nearly sunset. Curious, he asks a local, “Why is
your parade so long?”