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Health & Fitness

Keeping Patriotism, Local Economy Alive

Temecula keeps it glam with its Fourth Of July celebration. National Economic Recovery? One would never know by the looks of this party.

Deathly hot temperatures, a Temecula usual, did little to stop rows of RVs from swarming to the Ronald Reagan Sports Park.

The usual throngs of gleeful, yet heat-sickened Temeculite families jammed every square inch of that park as Temecula held its annual Fourth of July Extravaganza.

Rows of the usual vendors offering funnel cakes and other cholesterol-inducing guilty pleasures lined the beaten grasses to fuel the crowds.

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To accommodate the younger ones, inflatable slides and jumps were pinched in between the vendors. The event was terribly crowded, not providing even a glimpse of the crumbling economy that America has now become famous for.  

Temecula stuck to their guns and put on the most spectacular fireworks display experienced in the valley. Heck, I’d even say our fireworks surpassed Disneyland.

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Meanwhile, other Californian cities halted their fireworks display to save more dough. The budgets simply wouldn’t allow the frivolous fun of fireworks. Financially savvy? Negative. While other cities were cutting back on fireworks displays, their citizens left onward to search for spectacular lights.

Temecula was where the party was at, to state it bluntly. When other cities’ economies stayed static during the Fourth, Temecula was able to attract wayward families searching for some good ol’ Independence Day spirit.

The extra profits earned by small vendors, restaurants and shops from the large Fourth of July crowds may not be counted directly, yet it inevitably boosted the local economy.  

Ultimately, the additional revenue coming in from the extravaganza made the expensive fireworks show worthwhile.

Now,  for the bigger picture at hand. City pride is pulsing through my veins as I commend Temecula for maintaining its exceptional Fourth of July celebration. Temecula was the one to stick it to the man and make room for the extraordinary.

Of course, Fireworks alone aren’t the symbol of patriotism. Yet, there’s something to be said about listening to some cheesy Americana anthem, watching exploding lights, and appreciating what one takes for granted everyday. 

America isn’t for cowards. Independence Day thrives on a stubborn celebration of America, even when naysayers tease. All embrace their sense of unconditional freedom and undying perseverance. Thus, we have Temecula.

Temecula’s fireworks display was bigger, better and more glamorous than ever before, showing all those cheapskate cities who the bigger American is. And for that, I must give Temecula a congratulatory bro-fist, as it would simply be the American thing to do.

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