Like many people in the Bangor area, we spent the evening of July 4 at the waterfront watching the fireworks. As always, it was a spectacular display and everyone seemed to have a good time.

That being said, there was one aspect that I bothered me: the vendors who wandered through the crowd before the show. I know the large number of people presents an opportunity for profit, and that kids love cheap plastic and things that glow, but can’t we parents get a break? Everywhere we went there were quarter rides, toys, gumball machines and candy displays, all aimed at enticing kids into buying or whining until the parents bought.

Short of the playground, there were few opportunities for cost-free family fun (and at the playground you sometimes had to contend with the ice cream truck). Can’t we have one place where we can show our kids a good time without having to dig into our pockets?

If the proceeds were being used to cover the cost of the show, that would be different, but as far as I know that is not the case. I understand no harm was intended and that the vendors had every right to be there.

But couldn’t the items be confined to one particular area, so those who choose to buy these things can do so, and those of us who just want a nice, inexpensive night out with the family can have it?

Belinda Jamison

Winterport