COLUMBUS, Ind. — It seemed altogether fitting that Ethan Bush stood amid AirPark Columbus Friday evening on the grounds of an institution of higher learning. Because the Columbus resident was about to look skyward and learn anew why his outdoor enthusiasm runs sky high this time of year.
“I like the biggest explosions at the end,” Bush said.
He came out to Ivy Tech Community College and Columbus Municipal Airport for Columbus Regional Health presents QMIX Musical Fireworks 33, “Honoring Our Heroes.” In his family, heroes run through nearly every branch of military service.
All of which leaves him bursting with pride as he watches the bursts of pyrotechnic patriotism. He was among throngs that turned out for the songs — compositions matching the rockets’ red glare. In fact, a 19-minute QMIX Radio soundtrack of clips of tunes, ranging from near-native John Mellencamp to Foo Fighters to Elton John, provided lyrical inspiration for the fire in the sky.
The celebration, normally held on July 3 before the official Independence Day holiday, featured a noticeably thinner crowd at the beginning than in the past several years. Tonie Hoffman hardly minded. She and her immediate family have driven from Indianapolis every year since 2010 to meet relatives from Greensburg for the gathering that normally draws thousands lined along Central Avenue and elsewhere.
“It’s safer and easier here (than in Indianapolis),” Hoffman said. “And we just love the idea of getting together with family. “
For the complete story and more photos, see Sunday’s Republic.
