LOGAN— Logan City’s annual Independence Day fireworks at Romney Stadium are a city tradition, and an activity that is shared by many throughout Cache County and celebrated in a lot of different ways. Winston Churchill said, “A love for tradition has never weakened a nation; indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.”
“We’ve been stopping (at Aggie Ice Cream) for years,” Greg Johnson said. “We need the double-scoop on the walk to the stadium.”
He wasn’t alone. Aggie Ice Cream was full of anxious firework watchers on their way to the stadium, the HPER fields, and other favorite locations just before the show began.
On 1400 North in Logan there was also plenty of anticipation. Not only was Lee’s Marketplace filled with people, barbeque-grills, and screaming children, but the road was parked bumper to bumper on both sides. Along with the smell of charcoal, hotdogs, and hamburgers, many were camped beneath the stadium as well.
“Been here since about 4 o’clock,” Cindy Parker said. “We come early for a good parking spot, grill up some dogs for the kids while they play, and enjoy the time we have together.”
Spectators could be found for blocks and blocks anywhere around the stadium – parks, church parking lots, seated along parking strips, and some even in lawn chairs on their roofs.
Many have been coming to Logan to enjoy the fireworks for years, some visiting family and others coming back and continuing traditions that started while they were students here. For some the fireworks are the beginning of their Independence Day celebrations.
“I just got off of work,” Brandon Larson said. “We are having a big family barbeque tomorrow after we’re done tubing the canal.”
As night started to fall, baseballs flew, soccer balls were kicked, footballs were caught, and the smell of barbequing changed to popcorn. Eventually glow sticks lit up, little children were outfitted with earmuffs, and eyes turned to the sky.
When all was said and done thousands of spectators left with children, blankets, and chairs in tow.
Logan will continue its Independence Day celebrations with the annual Cache Valley Cruise-In this weekend with cars starting to roll in Thursday afternoon at the Cache County Fairgrounds. Jonah Goldberg said, “cultures grow on the vine of tradition.” Logan’s culture will continue to grow as its traditions do.