A Dog That Loves Watermelon and Other Fun Owensboro Fourth of July Memories

My sister and I were recently reminiscing about Fourth of July celebrations when we were kids, and it made me realize something. When we were kids, we didn't remember dogs being as frightened of the fireworks as they are today. We had one, Chuckles, who headed for the hills with his Irish setter buddy, Pepper, but then came back after everything had died down.

A Dog and His Watermelon

Earlier than that, however, we had a dog named Brownie, and he absolutely loved watermelon. At the time, I was under the impression that dogs wouldn't eat anything that wasn't meat. But, over the years, I've learned that isn't true. It certainly wasn't with Brownie. Watermelon was always a part of our Fourth of July celebration (still is), and he loved it. In retrospect, that means he was right there after we finished the fireworks.

I bet that because we didn't use to have the kind of massively loud fireworks we have today, dogs weren't as unsettled. I don't know. Maybe.

An Important Stop in Tennessee

My Fourth of July Owensboro memories must include Tennessee. That enormous fireworks store, Sad Sam's, is where we used to get our stuff after vacations, and it's still there. It's always a nostalgia trip for me when I pass it. You see, our summer trips back then were either to New Mexico (family) or Florida (Disney World and, later, family), and we'd always come back through Tennessee and load up.

Fireworks at the Marina

I don't know if you'll remember this, but at the north end of Frederica Street in Owensboro, there was a large boat ramp and a marina. That's where everyone sat for the city's fireworks back then. I think they were shooting them off at English Park. This old regatta home movie will give you some idea of how it looked.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend and be safe.