The Observation Deck

I have nearly 1,500 parade photos and 150 night photos to go through, but I wanted to
give you a little taste of what will be served up this afternoon.


Parade watchers lined Lake Avenue, ready for a parade, and to celebrate.
Parade photos from the car by John Kompier.


Observer's Craig Lovejoy, doing his low level aerial photography work, for some great views.


A big thanks to Betsy Voinovich and Peter Grossetti for pulling this together.

And yes, Mayor Michael P. Summers was able to get that huge monkey off his back as
the 2013 Lakewood Fireworks went off without a flaw. And he did not have to do as
promised, "... even if I have to light them myself."



More images this afternoon. Stay tuned.


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Some other photoblogs filling in in the gallery section.

From Tyler Wick...

A small protest.


Lots of dancing to the Lakewood Project.


Little protestors or celebrators!


And a peek towards Cleveland's show.

You can see more of Tyler's images at:
http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/tyler-wick/celebrating-the-4th-of-july-in-lakewood

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Just went through a ton of images here are some of the best and a little video of the event. While
it threatened to rain all day, the city of Lakewood made it clear the parade and the fireworks were
on, to the point that Mayor Summers had told friends earlier in the week that these fireworks were
going off if he had to set them himself. On the day of the fireworks he commented that a southern
wind would not stop the fireworks and was tweeting every 15 minute, these were going off!

So, my day started with the Isetta not starting and after doing everything possible I finally got it
running at 10:15 am with the parade rolling off at 10:00. A call from Betsy asking about progress
let me know they were on Kenneth and moving. So I threw the car back together, washed it off,
and ran off to catch up on Brockley and Lake.


Lakewood resident from the past Joe McLain.

After the car caught on fire twice the night before Deb decided not to get in it. So when I got to
the parade, I grabbed Betsy and Paul's son John, gave him the camera and told him to take pictures
until his fingers bled. Well maybe that's hyperbole, but take pictures.


We found Carol Hunt Mulready pushing seeds.


We found Natalie, Otto and Daniel Slife, with Joe Sgambellone.


The Hiltys and more!


John's friend Eric.


Council President Brian Powers always excited to see the Lakewood Observer crew and Jim O'Bryan.


Hillary and Marlee give us a thumbs up.

Stae Representative Nickie Antonio shows off her copy of the Lakewood Observer.


Then the skies got darker and stormy and the mayor tweeted. "With 20 minutes to go it looks
like we it's clearing up for fireworks as promised."


From the parking garage on Belle Ave.







What a great show, well watch them for yourself, the last 8 minutes including finale!


More photos at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/independence-day-2013

Thank you to the City of Lakewood, Mayor Mike Summers, Melissa Garrett, Joe Beno, and
all of the police and other people that made this happen. And a huge thanks to the residents!

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It was a nice show. The only thing that makes me nervous is the people walking in the street as cars race by after the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBSyenha3EA

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

What a great show, well watch them for yourself, the last 8 minutes including finale!


More photos at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/independence-day-2013

Thank you to the City of Lakewood, Mayor Mike Summers, Melissa Garrett, Joe Beno, and
all of the police and other people that made this happen. And a huge thanks to the residents!

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I wanted to make sure everyone understands that the Lakewood Fire Department, not only helps
in a big way with he fireworks, and in the parade. They also keep us safe from our less than cool
neighbors that are shooting triple report rockets in our general direction.

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Nice pics Jim. Thanks for documenting our lives. July 4th is a date I look forward to every year.

Craig Lovejoy has added 52 "Low Level Aerial Photographs" to his photoblogs. So for a fun, and
unique view of the parade check out all of Craig's images at:
http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/craig-lovejoy/independence-day-parade


Because sometimes, you have to get above the crowd!


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This is a shot from the Lakewood Center North Garage taken looking WEST at about 9:10pm on
July 4th. You can see the storm front moving in, but Mayor Summers was not going to say no!

This was on the last page of the Lakewood Observer, Volume 9, Issue 14 and some asked that I post it.

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