The Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Every Fourth of July, Marilyn (the lady who owns the house that I live in) and her family get together for a tradition. This year, it happened a little early, because the entire family could be there, and no one is going to be around on the fourth.

The tradition goes something like this: After Chirstmas, the tree is taken down. Instead of throwing it away, it is stored in the poll barn till spring, when it is taken out doors to dry to a nice crisp.

Around the Fourth of July, the tree is "planted" in the front yard. Once the sun goes down on the evening of the event, a propane bottle and a road flare are produced, and placed beside each other under the tree. The flare serves a double purpose: first, it lights up the propane bottle. Second, it is the ignition source. You're thinking, igintion source? Yes. The next step is for Matt to take his trusty rifle and take aim at the propane bottle. When he shoots the bottle, the propane needs a source of ignition, and the flare provides such a source. The bottle "explodes" blowing up the tree in the process! If you don't believe me, here it is in pictures:


1. Flare and propane bottle

















2. The propane bottle is shot, and explodes, igniting the tree. The small flame to the left on the ground is the propane bottle.














































4. The tree burns out within about five minutes.






















It's a spectacular show. This was the first year I actually got to see it live! Hope your Independence Day is just as exciting! ;)