Come on, Butte. We’re better than this, aren’t we?

Every Independence Day, Butte leads the way in Montana celebrations.  Hell, I'll put what we collectively do in Butte against any city in the Northwest.  Name another that starts celebrating at around lunchime on the 3rd.  There is music everywhere and house parties on just about every block.  Concerts.  Community gatherings. Potlucks and barbecues.  And fireworks.  Don't get me started on the fireworks.

Every year you can count on Butte's big community fireworks show being the best in the state but what is really impressive is if you take a step back from Uptown and view the entire landscape from a few miles south.  The entire cityscape comes alive with colorful blasts from every corner of town.  It is a sight to behold.  Butte certainly loves fireworks with neighbors sometimes pooling their money in hopes of getting their block's show to be the biggest, brightest and loudest in their area.  And this is part of what makes Butte great.  But then there's this.

July 5 in on some streets it is a different story entirely.  A good portion of July 4th revelers leave behind a mountain of spent fireworks shells and casings, debris and in some cases even empty beer and soda cans and food wrappers.  You can see it even on Harrison Avenue where thousands gather each year for the Independence Day Parade.  We have a big littering problem.  Now, while most pick up their own areas and pack out what they pack in, there are always a few who simply don't.  And it only takes a few to create a big eyesore.  Please, don't be one of them.  And a big thank you to those who are sweeping things up today.