Fringe Fire
Wild rockets: Local groups demand that Mayor Parker cancel Houston's Freedomfireworks
What is Freedom Over Texas without fireworks? If some area residents had theirway, you may find out.
"You can have a light show instead of fireworks," said Robin Hardy Cooper,creator of the Facebook group that aims to eradicate fireworks at Freedom OverTexas.
We know Mayor Annise Parker uses Facebook, but she hasn't personally weighed inon the group debate.
Robin Hardy Cooper's Facebook photo shows that she's got a zero-rocket policyfor Fourth of July festivities.
What's the Fourth of July without fireworks? Well, it's practically un-American, that's what.
Or perhaps it's actually un-Texan to have them.
Some area residents say that putting the brakes on the traditional fireworks festivities is a better idea for rain-ravenous Houston this year. And they've taken to Facebook to showcase their opposition.
"Once a rocket leaves the ground, there's no controlling it," said Robin Hardy Cooper. "It can go anywhere."
That's why Cooper created the Facebook Group, "Mayor Annise Parker should cancel Houston's 4th of July fireworks show!" Cooper hopes that, through the strong voices of hers and almost 90 others, Mayor Parker will sit up, take notice — and cancel this year's holiday fireworks celebration.
Freedom Over Texas, the city's annual Independence Day event, has yet to succumb to the fireworks ban that's pervading our drought-stricken metropolis, unlike many patriotic celebrations around town.
"Since we're in a water shortage, and with all the forest fires we've been having, I'm concerned," Cooper said.
Larissa Lindsay, president of the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association, is quite concerned herself.
"Once a rocket leaves the ground, there's no controlling it," said Robin Hardy Cooper. "It can go anywhere."
"Every year, we have ashes that fall on our yards and houses," Lindsay said. "There are houses in this neighborhood that are over 100 years old and wood-framed. They're tinder boxes. Some even have wood shingle roofs."
But there are always fire department crews standing by to assist with any errant sparks, right? According to Lindsay, the streets are often so crowded that first responder vehicles have frequently had trouble navigating the neighborhood. Adding drought conditions to the congested concoction, and many in the community are questioning the city's logic.
Justin Concepcion, social media coordinator for the Mayor's Office, posted on the group's Facebook wall, "The City works with the fire marshal and various other entities to make sure every precaution possible is taken. For instance, the staging area is completely hosed down with water and we do not proceed if winds are too high. Given the current drought, we do not want residents having their own fireworks displays at home. The city’s official observance is the safe alternative. We would not proceed otherwise."
That doesn't calm the nerves of those with a personal stake in the matter, like Lindsay, if situations should go awry.
"The only way they'll stop is if there is too much high wind," Cooper said.
At this point, it's looking very likely that the show will go on. Parker has emphatically said as much. "We're all trying to be as aware as possible, trying to alert our neighbors, and trying to work with HPD to keep the streets clear," Lindsay said.
But to what end result? That remains to be seen, come July 5th.
"You can have the concert, you can have the party, and have a light show," Cooper said. "Just not the fireworks."
What do you think, readers? Should Houston have its annual Freedom Over Texas no matter what, or should the city think about waiting until conditions aren't potentially dangerous?
