As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Independence Day, Owensboro’s Mark Price has been reflecting on America’s Bicentennial by revisiting one of his most treasured keepsakes — an unopened pack of firecrackers wrapped in artwork he drew as a 13-year-old in 1976.
“For me, that was the best kid summer that I ever had,” Price said.
The summer of 1976 was filled with memorable firsts. Price and his cousin Franz boarded an airplane for the first time and flew to Florida to visit family. Price also remembers being captivated by the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Canada, specifically the boxing competitions.
It was also the summer of America’s Bicentennial, celebrating the nation’s 200th anniversary — an event Price had eagerly anticipated for months.
“We were at Cape Kennedy in Florida. I think they have changed their name, but they had the big Bicentennial logo,” Price said. “I bought some Bicentennial coins, and that was just a great summer for me. I remember there was a lot of buzz about the 200th Bicentennial, and it was a big deal. There is some buildup this year with 250, but the 200th was special. It was a big deal, and as a 13-year-old, I was really excited about it.”
Price lit firecrackers that night to celebrate, but he held onto his final pack. Before putting it away, he wrapped it in a sheet of paper decorated with his own hand-drawn patriotic artwork.
Nearly 50 years later, the package remains unopened. Price has kept it tucked inside a cassette tape case, preserving both the firecrackers and the memories they represent.
Recently, Price shared the keepsake on Facebook and asked friends what he should do with it. He offered four possibilities: light the firecrackers, try to sell them, divide them among his three sons, or leave them unopened and continue preserving them as they are.
He has yet to make a decision, but his wife believes he should hold onto them.
Price said, “Looking back, it was just a magical time back then for me, in my world as a kid.”
