Not that I’m a huge T.S. Eliot fan, but one ought to make a literary reference whenever the opportunity presents itself. This picture pretty much shows the state of fireworks stands in the B-M area this year; a multi-county burn ban took the wind out of their sales almost as soon as the first tent stakes had been pounded.

I know a couple of guys who ran fireworks stands this year. The only real business they had was from people who were on their way to Detroit Lakes for the big events there, or headed to other parts where fireworks were still legal. Most of these guys are entrepreneurs, and this is going to hit them pretty hard.

Even the big fireworks at the State Capitol and the Mandan Rodeo were in jeopardy this year; there were several cars and trucks of fire department staff parked in a huddle on the east side of the Capitol last night, as marshalls and chieftans weighed the decision of whether or not to go on with the big show. Only at the very last minute was approval given to launch the display…the possibility of a strong breeze exceeding 15mph had them worried about the danger. Well before the show, the grassy area to the east of the Highway Department and Capitol buildings was hosed down, especially around all the launchers. Fortunately the breeze died down and we were able to go on with the show.