By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“What happens if there’s a storm during the fireworks?”

This question floated around on the evening of July 3just before the City of Pelham hosted Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain State Park.

With storms predicted, the crowds braved the weather forecasts and headed to the beaches, pavilions and sidewalks of the park to find a vantage point to see the show on an unseasonably mild night.

The park offered refreshments, music and entertainment on the evening of the fireworks.

Searching with my own family for a spot to catch the fireworks, I found Pelham City Councilman Ron Scott who introduced me to his son and proudly announced that his boy was moving this way for a new job.

A few more steps brought my family alongside Pelham City Councilwoman Beth McMillan and her family—including the newlyweds—McMillan’s daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Trevor Fitts. McMillan’s youngest son Nick was nearby.

“Did you two tell Nick my class was too hard?” I asked the newlyweds. “Nick didn’t sign up for my class you know.”

“You never know,” McMillan said grinning at her son. “I’ve heard some people meet the love of their lives in Mrs. Nolen’s class Nick.”

The newlyweds blushed deeply.

“You might be my teacher,” Nick McMillan said. “I did take Advanced 11.”

Our laughter preceded an array of brilliant fireworks lighting up the night sky and the water below. Spectacular arrangements and reflections of light were punctuated by music, exclamations of surprise and a few family members calling to one another.

“Is the night a success?” I asked McMillan.

“It’s a perfect night! We’re fortunate the storms held off and the weather turned cool. Just look at all the people and all of the kids having such a great time. The food and vendors were great!” said McMillan.

“We are proud to be able to help bring families together in celebrating our nation’s birthday,” said Pelham City Coucil President Rick Hayes.

Families and fireworks made Pelham’s Fourth of July memorable.

Lightning flashed on the drive home underscoring God’s perfect timing.