Fireworks light up 2015
Residents brave the temps, turn out in force for show at Main Square Park
HIGHLAND — Hundreds of residents welcomed 2015 at midnight Thursday at the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Main Square Park.
Considered by many in town as “the place to be at midnight,” the event was sponsored by the Council of Community Events and included socializing and sipping hot chocolate provided by the Highland Parks Department.
“This (event) is a win-win situation,” said CCE member Karen Ziants. “At this time of year, we’re able to get the fireworks at a good price; and also do something nice for the Town of Highland. This display warms everybody up, It’s like the Fourth of July all over again.”
She added that the weather obviously dictates crowd size each year, but normal winter weather still attracts a crowd. “Only sub-zero weather will keep them away,” she said.
With the temperature around 12 degrees late Wednesday, Ziants was correct.
Although some opted to stay inside their warm cars in the parking lot, hundreds of others jammed the park’s gazebo and spilled out into the lawn area.
Wrapped in oversize coats, blankets, and in some cases, their toasty pajamas, attendees socialized and mingled to keep warm as they waited for the show to begin. The Harrison family walks to the park each year. “We have a house party every year and when it’s close to midnight, we wrap up in blankets and head out the door,” said Katherine Harrison. “Many of our guests come from out of town and they don’t complain about the walk or the cold. They think it’s a very cool experience.”
What began more than 16 years ago as a pilot program, the pyrotechnics show has expanded into a premier attraction for New Year’s Eve. And no one seemed to care that it didn’t last very long. “This is just enough time. It’s like they know when our bodies can’t take any more cold air,” Jule Krement of Schererville said laughing, after he and his friends headed back to their car after the show. “But I wish they would have had the American flag at the end, like they did before. Many of us are very patriotic — we served in the military — and we’re proud to see that flag glowing.”
As multiple colors exploded in the night sky, the oohs and ahhhs could be heard from not only the children present but from adults as well.
“We’re all kids when we see fireworks,” said Mary Ann Lauerman of Hammond. “Who doesn’t like to see those big bursts of color light up the dark sky, one after the other?”