The curtain is down on the solar light show, but another is about to rise on a magnificent display of fire and color.

The band plays on. The crowd anticipates its last song, knowing that will signal the beginning of the first act.

Murmurs of excitement. Swatting mosquitoes. Squeezing mustard onto hotdogs. Checking watches. What time is it? 8:57.

EEEEEEEEEEEEE BOOM!

The show has begun.

Flashes of red, white, blue, green and purple fill the air. All shapes and sizes. High in the sky and low to the ground. Trails of smoke are overcome by new pyrotechnics.

The murmurs and munching stop. All eyes are on the sky. Even mosquitoes have free rein.

The performance reaches its peak. Booms and pops come in quick succession. The sky is as bright as day — and then it’s over.

Applause. And then, bags are packed, children are lifted into arms and the crowd heads home. Another Independence Day celebration is now but a memory.