Each Fourth of July, the town of Concord holds Picnic in the Park to celebrate Independence Day. The gathering features tethered balloon rides, a children’s decorated bicycle parade, balloon twisting, face painting, the Fire Department 911 House, the Police Department radar baseball toss, henna tattoos, Hula Hoop demonstrations, a community fair and a variety of bands performing throughout the day. At his mother’s suggestion, Kyle set up a little marketing table for Yard Dogs. He offered free candy to prospective customers (or rather to their kids who dragged the parents over) and passed out business cards to make local folks aware of the services his company offers.

Later in the day, we (Jeanine, Maya, her friend Lydia, Nico, and cousin Johnny) attended a party held each year by my lifelong friend and high school wrestling partner, Tom Metzold, and his wife Karen. Tom enjoys pyrotechnics and never disappoints his guests with a fireworks display that rivals many small towns.