The loud booms, popping and crackles of last night’s fireworks could not drown out the oohs and aahs of those gathered to enjoy the final night of fireworks.

Wednesday, July 05, 2000

The loud booms, popping and crackles of last night’s fireworks could not drown out the oohs and aahs of those gathered to enjoy the final night of fireworks.

Amid a sea of lawn chairs, blankets and beach towels, thousands sat with necks craned back and awe-filled eyes directed at the sky above in anticipation of the explosions of color and light that was promised to fill the night air.

Those who chose to avoid the masses at the park lined Main Street or sat on top of buildings downtown for a view.

No matter where they were, everywhere Austinites were celebrating the final moments of Independence Day – especially the children.

Even though they might not understand the nature of the holiday, the Fourth of July is definitely a holiday that also is meant for kids to enjoy.

Judging from the reaction of kids at last night’s fireworks display, the kids were having a blast.

Lindsey Chapek, 7, understood that Independence Day is America’s birthday. Although she admitted she didn’t quite know how old America is, that didn’t stop her from enjoying the fireworks or other festivities.

She enjoyed the show with her brother, Andrew, 5, and cousin, April Rowl, 6, of Rochester. The three youngsters sat outside Norwest Bank with their grandfather to watch the fireworks.

While the kids talked a little bit about what they enjoyed about the fireworks, stealing their attention away from the loud bursts of color was a challenge.

For the girls, the bright colors were their favorite part of the show. The boys, on the other hand, enjoyed the loud booms the pyrotechnics supplied.

Andrew’s favorite fireworks was the kind that shot straight up in the air. Those, incidentally, make that shrill shooting sound.

The girls decided that the fireworks that exploded and showered down in a variety of colors were their favorites.

But Andrew wasn’t alone in preferring the noise to the colors.

Nick Finholdt, 12, and Tony Wangen, 6, also enjoyed the sound effects of the evening.

"It’s the loudest ones that both of us like," Finholdt said as Wangen’s wide eyes stayed fixed on the sky.

"Yeah, the ones that go straight up and then, ‘Boom!’" Wangen added.

Both boys were with their parents to celebrate the holiday. Like other children watching the fireworks, their conversations often were interrupted with exclamations of "wow" and "cool."

As a multitude of sparks and flares, booms and crackles filled the night sky and signaled the finale of Austin’s Independence Day celebration, cheers and applause erupted.

For the children, it was a fitting way to celebrate Independence Day.

Lindsey Chapek figured other countries held similar celebrations, but, like a true patriot, she said, "Ours is the best."

Thousands in Austin Tuesday night probably would have to agree.