The quiet neighborhood of Gloucester Heights was getting a bit restless at 11:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The moon was nearly full. People gathered responsibly in back yards and on patios to welcome 2021.
Others were in the living rooms watching the festivities from a surreal, nearly empty Times Square in New York City.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, there were flashes of light from fireworks and loud firecrackers going off in the bedroom community off of Nicholson Road in Gloucester City.
With all official fireworks displays cancelled due to the pandemic, many people decided to take matters into their own hands.
As the ball fell quietly on television, Gloucester Heights exploded with sound and brilliant, colorful fireworks going off in all directions.
People looked outside, shouted to neighbors, and enjoyed 10 minutes of joy after a difficult, tragic 2020. One could almost feel a collective sigh of relief permeating the air.
Reportedly there were similar home fireworks shows in the many neighborhoods of Bellmawr, Brooklawn, Gloucester City, Mount Ephraim, Runnemede and Westville.
As 2021 begins there are signs of hope that the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic will be won.
Vaccines are being distributed throughout the world, Gov. Phil Murphy has allowed the resumption of indoor scholastic sports, and the majority of people are wearing masks, washing hands and socially distancing.
Eventually, history will look back on 2020 – a most unusual and terrible year.
But on New Year’s Eve, the residents of Gloucester Heights were looking to the future with an awesome fireworks show.
