Growing up in New York, the 4th of July was always a fun holiday with BBQ's and walking to your neighborhood firework display. There was not one big display as in Louisville at Waterfront Park, but many smaller displays created by each town. In New York, fireworks are completely illegal. No sparklers, no spinning things, nothing. I do remember one year when my uncle, the policeman, confiscated fireworks and brought them to our family party. We felt very scandalous to be the only one's in the neighborhood with fireworks, and of course my cousin burnt himself just like as the PSAs on TV said he would. Honestly, in school and on TV we were fed so much propaganda about how terrible fireworks were and how you'd loose all your finger and maybe your arm if you played with them, that I just assumed they were illegal everywhere...even into adulthood.

You can imagine my surprise when I stepped in to Costco to do some much needed bulk shopping and saw a huge firework display for sale. Bulk fireworks? It was so odd for me to see. So apparently, in Kentucky fireworks are legal, and sometimes considered a bulk item. Didn't they teach you that you'd loose your arms?! Anyway, I was slightly tempted to buy some, but I was too scared from my years of brainwashing. Good luck with your fireworks, Louisville. I'll be the prude with all my fingers.

 Photo: Dipity.com

Maggie moved to Louisville from Buffalo, NY in Dec. 2009. She has also lived in London, Chicago, and Louisiana.  Find out more about her business Weekend Wedding Warrior, LLC and her private counseling practice.