Happy Independence Day!

There is nothing more fun than celebrating the Fourth of July on Nantucket, especially on a sunny day. It's a great holiday for flag-waving patriots, children who love to gorge themselves on watermelon and pie and those who enjoy contests of strength and speed.

After a day of water fights, sack races, tug-of-war, eating and swimming, at nightfall, it seems the entire island gathers at Jetties Beach to watch the fireworks display, an event that would also have hypnotized and entertained primitive man.

Where else can you go to a beach with thousands of people, mostly strangers, united only by their love for the island, on a dark and sometimes foggy night and feel safe?

Yet, you need to steer clear of amateurs shooting off fireworks, rockets and even sparklers. We ask that you be safe and careful this Fourth of July and leave the fireworks display to professionals. Please read Barbara Gookin's column for a firsthand account of what can go wrong, even for a bystander, when others play with fireworks.