According to many in the know, the successful turnout for Desert Hot Springs' annual Fireworks display was a record-setting attendance of local and visiting personage. Many booths full of vendors were set up to give away pertinent information, to sell food, products and items of all descriptions. Among those on hand were social and community groups, including The Desert Hot Springs Boys & Girls Club, The Chamber of Commerce, The Mission Springs Water District and booths hawking many and varied types of food.

A tightly adhered-to schedule went off like clockwork as the loud-speakers boomed out the many contests and the participants. A watermelon-eating contest was carried out in different age categories, with a winner in each group. Winner of the Small Fry competition was none other than Timmy Soullierre of Desert Hot Springs.

An exciting and impressive Desert Hot Springs Police K-9 program and demonstration 'wowed' the bystanders. A huge crowd of people was obviously awed by the intelligence and focus of the two police dogs, as they responded to police commands to "Stay!", "Stop!" and "Attack!" It was the highlight of the evening, except for the beautiful and loud fireworks display, one of the most magnificent in the Coachella Valley and the one receiving the least amount of publicity in valley media.

       One endearing high-point of the program was the moment that  former City Councilman, Will Pieper remarked to the audience that Councilwoman Mary Stephens had something to say. Stephens stepped forward with the request that a moment of silence be rendered in the name of a beloved community member, Dr. Tad Lonergan, a man beloved by this city and many others in the Coachella Valley cities.

In Remembrance: Dr. Tad Lonergan was killed a year ago on July 4th, 2005, returning from his high mountain cabin in the upper desert.

An emotionally charged, off-the-cuff, brief speech by city councilwoman Mary Stephens, was heartfelt and respectfully received by a gracious audience. A proclamation in Tad's name was to be brought forth but because the mayor could not see fit to sign his name to it, for personal reasons. Tad is better off for it. Thus the moment of silence was rendered out of respect for a great man.

          But for this moment of emotion, the event appeared to be one of the better Fireworks displays in the entire valley, which is not unusual for Desert Hot Springs when it comes to community events, celebrations and festivals of this nature. Desert Hot Springs, no matter what you might have heard, is always near the top of the list with valley festivals, celebrations or the Annual Christmas Parade. We are "Clearly above the Rest".

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