I’ll be the first to say that Woodland’s Independence Day celebrations is a time for families. Unfortunately, I’m now at an age where I don’t decorate my bicycle for a parade on Main Street, enjoy an ice cream social, or go for a free swim.

It’s not that I’m against the 3rd- and 4th-of-July fun, but as a single parent with a grown daughter, it’s tough getting into the Independence Day spirit.

But if you want to start — or continue — a family tradition, then this specific holiday is for you, particularly if you have young’uns.

Years ago, I did enjoy the city’s fireworks displays, but as my daughter and the step-grandchildren got older, buying “safe and sane” fireworks to ignite on the street in front of our home isn’t a “thing” anymore.

I want to help out those nonprofit groups who are selling fireworks around town, but it’s easier to buy a cherry pie from Route 16 Produce, barbecue a prime rib purchased from Nugget Market, or pick up a four-pack from Blue Note Brewery.

None of this means I’m any less patriotic, although the definition of “patriotism” seems to have taken on a different meaning these days, it’s only that I’ve gotten older.

And don’t let my 69-year-old opinions keep you from enjoying yourselves when the city of Woodland hosts its annual Independence Day Celebrations on July 3 and 4.

For many families, the highlight of the two-day celebration will be Thursday night, July 3, at the Woodland High School Stadium, when fireworks start exploding around 9:15.

But the real fun begins July 4, which starts with the Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 3 on Springlake Court. It’s only $5 for two pancakes and sausage. This year I’ll probably buy two plates.

And while I would never decorate a bike (which I don’t own anyway), I have always enjoyed watching young children festoon their two- and three-wheeled rides with ribbons, crepe paper and other creative works in Heritage Plaza before peddling east on Main Street to Freeman Park, where they can partake of bounce houses, games and get free snow cones.

The Ice Cream Social at the Woodland Community & Senior Center is problematic given my age. The problem is there aren’t enough scoops offered to keep me satisfied. Give me a gallon of rocky road and we’re good.

Cooling off at the Charles Brooks Community Swim Center also seems to be a gift to the young, particularly since the days are expected to be close to 100 degrees.

I will say this about Independence Day fireworks: Don’t try them at home. For the most part it’s illegal to have “bombs bursting in air.”

Both Woodland and Yolo County now have ordinances which allow law enforcement to fine people up to $1,000 per illegal device. They’ve done so because some people get stupid and injure themselves or cause actual fires.

I’ll know if the ordinances have been effective or not depending on what I see in the rural areas outside of Woodland. Traditionally, there are some people on nearby farms that have no problem with setting off aerial displays on their property. If the Sheriff’s Office shuts these down, then I’ll know the county is serious.

I also don’t like what happens to our pets. Dogs go crazy when people light off fireworks. So do cats.

Woodland has created a two-day celebration. You and your families should take advantage of it and good time. You might even see me around, eating a pancake, having an ice cream or drinking a beer.

Jim Smith is the former editor of The Daily Democrat, retiring in 2021 after a 27-year career at the paper.