Things We All Remember About Old School 4th of July Celebrations

The 4th of July in the 1980s always had that cousin, the one who “knew a guy” or had just returned from a trip to the Carolinas. He’d pull up with a duffel bag full of forbidden goods: mortars, M-80s, and something called a “screaming banshee” that was probably banned in 12 states.

While your parents looked the other way, the cousin set up in the cul-de-sac with a lighter and zero caution. You’d never admit it, but part of you wanted him to blow something up. He usually did. The fireworks were louder, riskier, and honestly… way more fun.