Fireworks fly high at annual event

For Clovis residents Christy and Richard Masterson, July Fourth is more than fireworks and barbecue.

They said American freedom is where it’s at for them — especially after spending three years in Belgium when Richard Masterson, current pastor of the House of Prayer Fellowship, was stationed in the Air Force overseas.

“We take so much for granted, even stores that are open 24 hours,” Christy Masterson said, adding Wal-Mart was what she missed most about America. “Everyone should be required to go out of the country to see how it is.”

Based on the thousand-plus turnout for Monday’s Smoke on the Water fireworks display at Greene Acres Park, the Mastersons were not alone in their patriotism.

Unless people came because they were forced off the couch, like Clovis’ Armando Gutierrez.

“I’m here because my wife wouldn’t let me sleep,” he said with a laugh.

Wife Shannon Gutierrez, with their 4-year-old daughter Desire in tow, had two reasons to attend the event.

“I like to watch the crazy things people do,” she said. “And Desire likes the fireworks; she calls them ‘firelights.’”

Some also attended as part of a group outing, like the handful of young men from the Pathway House, a juvenile treatment center.

“We take the group here to mingle with the people. They are isolated so much so this helps with the social aspect,” said child care worker Terence Sharp.

Others came to alleviate boredom on a welcome break from work. “I like the Fourth of July because I get the day off,” said Clovis resident Misty Banagay, who attended the show with her husband Eric Banagay. “I came here because there is nothing else to do.”

When asked about his favorite part of the event, Eric Banagay replied, “my lawn chair,” speaking of the padded, reclining seat on which he lounged.

Finally, some simply came to enjoy the 15-minute colorful display, like Clovis residents George and Shantiell Salazar, who brought along their four kids, aged 6 through 10 years old.

“It’s great to spend time with the family,” George Shantiell said, adding they enjoy the fireworks display so greatly he spends from $400 to $800 per year on a post-show fireworks extravaganza out in the country after the last firework blasts from Smoke on the Water.