Fiasco on the Fourth

I just returned from an attempt to watch the Whitefish city fireworks from our favorite spot in what is now the Great Northern Veterans Peace Park. Until this year it was the little secret shared by the local neighborhood. In one year it went from the best place to quietly share viewing this great show to the noisiest, most dangerous spot, all thanks to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

In what I assume was an attempt to give viewers an alternative to City Beach, the chamber advertised the park as a good destination. The peaceful gathering of neighborhood families became a crowd of folks, many of whom decided they can give the city some competition with their own personal display. I can’t see how they were able to watch the city show while constantly lighting their own minuscule displays. Sadly, I believe some of the biggest distractions were provided by members of the Peace Park board.

During these attempts, which only served to distract from the real show, several accidents occurred and people were harmed. Others decided that we all needed to hear their personal collection of new-wave music during the display.

I guess all good things have to be ruined sometime. Thanks a lot.

—Mitch Linne, Whitefish

Editor’s Note: The Whitefish Chamber says they haven’t advertised the Peace Park as a place to watch the fireworks since 2012.