Parties, parades, picnics mark 4th

Clouds and cool weather did not keep University students from enjoying barbecues and fireworks during the Fourth of July on Saturday.

Many University students chose to use the holiday weekend to visit with family and friends and attend local fireworks displays.

"I had a little picnic with the family," said Dave Constant, an LSA sophomore. "I went to a couple of parties (Saturday) night and set off some fireworks."

DANIEL O'DONNELL/Daily During a parade Saturday near North Campus, a boy scout carries the U.S. flag. The cloudy skies and cooler temperatures did not dampen patriotism.

Constant said he traveled to Ohio to purchase fireworks illegal in the state of Michigan.

"I bought some fireworks in Ohio, down on the border. The ones that add a little color are an important part of July fourth," Constant said. "It's kind of a tradition - the first half of my day was a patriotic holiday, but toward the end of the day, it was more of a get-together party."

In addition to the variety of local fireworks shows, many patriotic parades are conducted each year, including one in Ann Arbor.

"I went to Ann Arbor's parade. It was cool," said Mike Rosen, an LSA senior. "I'm not too big into the Fourth's festivities. It's just another reason to drink."

Another local event that community members enjoyed was the Ann Arbor Jaycees carnival at Pioneer High School, which includes games, rides and a midway.

"I went to a carnival at Pioneer High School. While we were up in the ferris wheel we saw some fireworks," said Karen Langner, an LSA senior. "The last two years, I haven't been (in Ann Arbor) so it was kind of nice to be here. But I didn't think much about the holiday, I'm not that patriotic."

LSA junior Ken Heskett said the holiday is especially meaningful for his family because many members have served in the military.

"Every generation of our family has been in the military," Heskett said. "It's more significant this year because I just got out of the military and my uncle retired this year.

ADRIANA YUGOVICH/Daily Incoming first-year student Jessica Mumma celebrates Independence Day at the fireworks display in Northville.

"It's a celebration of the founding of our country and it's important to our family because we've been part of that through our military service," Heskett added.

Heskett said he enjoyed the holiday by spending time with his family and attending a parade.

"We had a barbecue," Heskett said. "We struggled vainly to get a historic vehicle to work. I couldn't get it out for the Fourth of July parade."

While many businesses closed down for part or all of the weekend, SNRE junior Jenny Hefferan said she still had to work through some of the holiday.

"I work at Seva. We closed a couple hours earlier," Hefferan said. "I was disappointed. I didn't see any fireworks although I wanted to. It's possibly the first Fourth of July that I haven't."

Despite the holiday, many students continued to do classwork.

"I went to a barbecue at a colleagues. I also did some research," said Mike Thompson, a School of Public Policy junior. "I haven't celebrated in something like four years. It's more just a day off. I tried to celebrate it more when I'm at home. I tend to think it's more of a family holiday."

07-06-98