Independence Day (Firecrackers on Soggy Dry Lake Bed)

Hey Subbers,
I always stop by this Arizona Indian reservation fireworks store off the I-15 Freeway on my way back from visiting family in Utah. I've done it for years. I always buy a couple of fireworks (morters), even though I know they're illegal to set off in 99.99% of California, and will probably never get to use them. Every year I buy, every year the 4th of July comes and goes with no place to fire off my goodies. Every year the stockpile grew.
I decided this year would be different. I asked a buddy of mine who does the pyro-technics for Disneyland, where he and his buddies go when they want to set off fireworks, and not be hassled by the authorities.
He told me I should go out to Johnson Valley OHV, (about 50 miles south of Barstow off State Highway 247). There, I would find a series of dry lake beds that are part of BLM land. He cautioned that although it is still illegal, if we drive to the center of the dry lake bed we probably wouldn't be hassled. He was right.

We had a blast. We also owned the place. There was nobody within a mile or so of our vehicle. Far away on the south side of the lake someone else was setting off fireworks, but that was it. I had amassed a supply of over 70 mortars, bricks of firecrackers, smaller trick fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers etc. I wanted to show my sons a 4th of July, of the type I remember having as a youth growing up in Moosic, Pennsylvania. No, my father couldn't afford mortors, but we had Roman candles and bottle rockets and the 4th was always awesome. Somebody's neighbor's dad would always have some mortors they would set off at Moosic Raiders Football Stadium in North East Pennsylvania. Killer memories.

Last weekend we made some more memories. it was great fun. I don't know if we will go all out like this again next year, after all it isn't exactly cheap to stockpile that amount of fireworks, but I wanted to do it at least once before my 17 yr. old went off to college. We all had a blast. I'm willing to bet they remember this Independence Day for a long time to come.

I didn't intend on making a video but after I got home and saw the footage, I couldn't resist and went straight to work on for a YouTube upload. It was the perfect excuse to pair it with an instrumental piece I wrote and recorded several years back. Hope you like our Cicon family Independence Day video.

I know you guys are used to watching :30 and 1:00 long commercials with comedy content. At almost 5:00 I beg your indulgence.

The Cicons

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• 4th of July
• Independence Day
• JaredCicon
• Jared
• Cicon
• jaredCiconFilms
• jaredciconfilms

[pkwentworth]

Loved it! Music was great...just enough special effects to make the film even more interesting. I especially like the multiple scooter segment at 1:03...Same clip and made into a "Wave" like the crowd at the football stadium. Some great stuff! I really enjoyed it!

[jaredcicon]

@pkwentworth

Thanks for taking the time to critique, especially since it was all positive...ha ha ha. Great for the ego.

I just watched the 'Last Day for the Deborah lee'. Was that your vessel? If so, sorry to see such a tragic event.

[spartan3686]

are you aloud to shoot guns at soggy dry please respond

[jaredcicon]

@spartan3686 S.D.L.B., is BLM land. I do not know the laws relative to firearms for that area. I am sure a quick internet search will tell you what you need to know. Good luck.

[chinaeyes22]

WOW!!! What a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. Great to see you having fun with the kids, Jared. :-)

[jaredcicon]

@chinaeyes22 Thanks Jason. Yes, it was good times.

[pkwentworth]

@jaredcicon Your Welcome....So maybe I should use the "description" in describing my videos?? hahahaha! Then people would know moew what was going on!! hahaha! The vessel was an old fishing boat owned by someone here on Chebeague Island, where I live. A generator was left running on board to charge the batteries...no one was on board....no one with a fire hose for awhile....something got hot and POOF...up in smoke. Thanks for watching. Cap'n Kevin

[chicagoSUGANO]

What a Beauty is this clip. a unique story  while savouring the viewer with delicious images of Light & Composition.

Bravo & 5 Stars.

[MattKoval]

Really enjoyed watching that, J. Very relaxing! Music was great, too. And congrats on 2k subs - told ya the second thousand would be easier.

[crumbyvids]

You did the music for this?? WOW you ARE a talent to be sure!

[Leadrunner]

@jaredcicon He said the same thing about you. He's a good kid. Blessings!!!