Mike Wolanin | The Republic People gather to watch the QMIX Musical Fireworks celebration for Independence Day in front of the Columbus Learning Center in Columbus, Ind., Friday, June 30, 2023.
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. “
To her, family on this night included their Corgi, Pepper, and their miniature Yorkie, Ozzy. Pepper loves watching fireworks. And Ozzy?
“He sleeps through them (in his stroller),” she said.
A wide-eyed crowd around the food vendors treated themselves to burritos, nachos, doughnuts, lemon shake-ups and more.
Columbus resident Jessica Rivera watched her two youngsters frolic at the bounce houses before the fireworks.
“It’s great, and I love all this,” Rivera said. “It’s a great time for the kids to come out and be able to play and simply enjoy themselves.”
More fireworks
Scheduled after dark Tuesday at Cera Sports Park & Campground, plus a full day of other activities, from music to swimming. Go to ceraland.org
