It was an excellent night to view the fireworks from virtually all areas of the Annapolis City Dock, Harbor and surrounding spots. The weather was perfect for the festivities providing a clear night, summer breeze and comfortable temperatures.
Disappointing, however, was the city's parade starting at West Street & Amos Garrett near Fado’s Irish Pub, traveling past India’s of Annapolis, and Bark-n-Bean Coffee down West & Main Streets to the center of the city dock area. The parade had neither the expected pomp of a capital city nor the feel of a small town community parade. Yes, it had a few big red fire trucks, one small marching band, a short string of conversion vans, a meager Brownie troupe, a handful of horses & ponies, WRNR 103.1, WNAV and a couple other participating groups throwing candy at the spectators.
What it actually looked like to those of us on the street was a campaign parade. One out-of-town visitor turned to me and asked, “Is Maryland having an election this year?” Duh! How could you tell! Politicians were out in smiling force, giving away leaflets to garner votes.
Come on Annapolis! There is more to this amazing city than politicians and fire trucks. Where were the representative groups, leadership, clubs, businesses and community groups? Where was the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Knights of Pythias, Zonta, Leadership Arundel, boaters, sailors, veterans, schools, music and where were the cool car groups like Ferrari, Corvette, and those guys who flaunt their historic cars?
[Okay, the neighborhood community of Admiral Heights was represented. But really, where was everyone else? What I found lacking today in the whole lineup is independent spirit of American ingenuity and good organization. This is endemic lately and a whole issue better left for another posting.]
Following the parade, spectators headed to the city dock where it was much less crowded than in past years. In fact, one out-of-town visitor commented that she was surprised that there weren't more people mobbed into the area, "This is nothing like I expected. It was an easy stroll down the street. All these areas are open. And, it looks like we'll be able to leave easily."
While visitors waited for the fireworks to start, the U.S. Naval Concert Band played on the city dock. We knew that they were there but for the lack of appropriate sound and audio equipment, it was very difficult to hear.
Another unfortunate complaint heard among the spectators waiting was the obvious void of concessions around the area. Whether it was the city's ban on open concession stands, existing merchants blocking concessions or concessionists decided to go to more lucrative spots, they were noticeably absent. "I didn't bring any refreshments because I thought that there would be concession stands set up all around the streets for a hamburger, coke or cotton candy," said one visitor from the UK. Other retail businesses were also noticeably closed and missing golden opportunities to pull in visitors while waiting for the fireworks. "Ah, I thought I could browse the shops before the fireworks. But most of them are closed," commented the woman from the UK. “It doesn’t look like Annapolis wants tourists or to do business today… and there are so many empty shops.”
With the exception of maybe McGarveys, Pussers, or Dock Street Grill, a few food establishments appeared disinterested in doing business. Hell Point Restaurant actually was turning away customers. One discouraged group tried to get into the bar area for cocktails but the hostess claimed that they were no longer serving.
Instead, long lines formed in front of a few small businesses ill equipped to handle such demands. Aroma D'Italia, The Storm Brothers Ice Cream, Pip's Hot Dogs, Starbucks and others were trying to keep up with orders typically served in those establishments. "No ice cream is that good to have me stand in line for an hour," exclaimed a visitor from Northern Virginia. "I don't want to go into a place and sit down to eat. I want to grab, go and mill around. There's nowhere to just buy bottled water or a coke. That's just ridiculous,” she added.
I did spot two brave entrepreneurs taking a stab at serving the needs of the masses: a man driving an ice cream truck who pulled up in front of the Market House and a teenager in a motorized golf cart selling snow cones. Excitement lit up on one man's face when the snow cone cart buzzed by; only to be quickly followed by a sad pout seeing the sign "out of ice" posted on the side of the cart.
Nonetheless, for those who were oblivious to these issues, fireworks turned out to be a pleasing end to the day. Who can complain ending the day with massive, colorful explosions?