I've always counted myself blessed to have my birthday fall on the Fourth of July. There's always something going on and my night always ends in fireworks. What gal could complain about that?
This year is special, though.
This year, I'm celebrating my birthday with, not only America, but with the beloved city where I live as Shamokin celebrates its 150th.
Much like any domestic on the scanner four to 17 times a week, Shamokin and I have a tumultuous relationship.
I fight so hard to stick up for this city, but then some stranger grabs my arm in a grocery store and starts spouting off about my tattoos and I become disheartened.
But that's just one person; that's not typical Shamokin. To judge a whole city, race, society or creed of people on one person would make me an ignorant fool. Some mishaps I find myself involved in and some sights I'd rather not see pale in comparison to the good I see in this city.
When it comes down to it, Shamokin and I are genuinely in love and, in my heart, all of the bad will never outweigh even a portion of the good.
The beauty I see is not just in my surroundings, it's in the members of this community who have pulled together to make this celebration one to remember. All week long, the city was alive with sounds and sights that pay tribute to the last 150 years.
Listen, I know some of you think there is never anything to do around here. I know many of you think this place is a hole and it has nothing to offer, but excuse me while I politely tap you on the shoulder and tell you to get off your "dupa" and revel in the happenings paying tribute to Shamokin this weekend.
I understand this is a busy weekend being it is a national holiday as well, but let's bask in the spotlight on our city and have a good old Shamokin blast.
Today
Since you are likely off for the holiday, may I suggest you go to any of the fine breakfast spots around town and get yourself a nice greasy meal Friday morning. It will help, I promise.
Then, you can rest on the couch and watch "The Price is Right" or something until later when you show up on Independence Street, which will be closed between Eighth and Ninth streets from 6 to 10 p.m. for both Looker and Bunky Hendricks to perform on the main reviewing stand.
Miss Pennsylvania Amanda Smith will also be welcomed and, fellas, speaking of breathtaking, I hear she's a sight for sore eyes, so you probably don't want to miss her arrival.
May I suggest at 10 p.m., you go home and get some rest, because Saturday is going to be a hoot and a half.
Saturday
Where do I begin? At 10 a.m., Miss Pennsylvania will pull the winner for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro convertible. Oh, you haven't heard? Yes. They are giving away a car. And it's a sweet car. If you haven't gotten a $10 ticket, may I suggest you put it in gear and purchase one. There are a good number of tickets out there, but a number reasonable enough that the odds are in your favor.
At 12:30 p.m., the fine citizens who make up Coal City Revitalization and Irish Isle/Pot of Gold will unveil a new public mural created by Shawn McGugan, a coal region native. Let's face it, these murals are classing up this city, so I, for one, can't wait to see what he's come up with.
The grand parade will start in the Fifth Ward, which we all know I'm proud to say is my neck of the woods, at 2 p.m. and believe me, it will not disappoint. There are a slew of "celebrities" in addition to Miss Pennsylvania, including an Olympian, the bishop and the real celebrities, troops and veterans who have sacrificed and served for the very freedom we'll celebrate this Independence Day weekend.
Music will fill the air into the evening - heck, even Queen Elsa from Disney's "Frozen" is going to be there. If your kids find out she was there and you didn't take them to see her, boy are they not going to be happy, nor will they "Let it Go" anytime soon.
To top it all off, we'll do what we do best: light up the sky. Shamokin is known for its fireworks display, so what better note to end on.
This is going to be a celebration to remember, and I call upon all of you to join in the fun. If you can't make it to everything, make it to something. You have options, but much like me turning (cough) 25, a city only turns 150 once. This is history in the making and you should be part of it.
You may not support everything that goes on around here. You may be disappointed because you remember the city's heydays. You may curse the very ground you have the luxury of living on, but there's a good chance that, whatever your ties to Shamokin, coal runs through your veins and eventually that reaches your heart. So come out and show your love for the city many of us are proud to call home.
Happy 150th birthday, Shamokin. We've been through an awful lot, but I still love you to pieces.
Now, let's party!
(Wasakoski, an assistant editor at The News-Item, can be reached at jenna_w@newsitem.com)