Prime fireworks seating goes fast

Sat, Jul 5, 2008    to del.icio.us

The value of real estate in front of the Grand River Channel skyrockets before the popular Grand Haven Fourth of July fireworks display.

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People were claiming their territory early Friday morning with blankets, duct tape or whatever else they could find to mark it.

Ray Nemecek of Grand Ledge brought his blankets down to the grass near the channel at 9 a.m. Friday, and by the time he left most of the good spots were spoken for.

"We've been doing this for quite a long time," Nemecek said. "Probably longer than some of the locals."

Some less-experienced visitors didn't know all the prime grass was gone by midday. Others just didn't believe it.

"Someone told us yesterday that people start coming down here at 8 in the morning," said Kate Hucke of western Illinois. "And, yeah, they were right."

The Hucke and Morton families, who are renting a house for the week, shared a four-person bench, and felt lucky even to have that.

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"We can't get over how people mark their territory," said Tyler Morton of Indianapolis.

While some people see the Grand Haven fireworks every year, others saw them for the first time Friday night.

Makala Goddard, 2, had a hard time resting before the fireworks because she was so excited.

"Well, (the kids) won't be able to nap later," said Makala's mom, Shannon Goddard.

The Goddard family came from Martin to see the fireworks because they heard it was a good show, Matt Goddard said. They even brought their 8-month-old daughter Kendra, who may not have appreciated the heart-thumping booms and whistles created by the show, Matt Goddard said.