Family has ringside seat for Mt. Trashmore fireworks

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent

KEMPSVILLE

Mary Ann Menoche glanced into the lake as she strolled through her community one Fourth of July and noticed fireworks reflecting off the water.

"I was walking my dog and was clueless how close we were to the celebration," Menoche said. "It was a nice surprise because this is the best view right here."

That was three years ago, when she first moved into the Lexington Condominiums off South Plaza Trail between Independence Boulevard and Princess Anne Road.

Now, every Independence Day Menoche joins with other members of her community to look to the sky to enjoy the fireworks display from nearby Mount Trashmore Park.

Neighbors and their friends sit around the lake or by the pool and camp out - enjoying major parties all day long. As the evening sky darkens, the fireworks fill the summer sky in celebration of America's independence.

Menoche, who likes cookouts, also makes a red, white and blue cake to celebrate her daughter's birthday, which falls on July 6.

While others are driving from near and far to Mount Trashmore, Virginia Beach residents such as Menoche who live in the shadows of the city's highest point are able to escape the traffic associated with the event.

That's why Stephanie and Rob Wyman and their two sons, Jake, 5 and Luke, 8, love living in the Larkspur development directly across the street.

"This is a huge celebration; one of the biggest in the city, maybe even the region," Rob Wyman said. "And we live right here."

The Wymans were evacuees of New Orleans who moved to Virginia Beach in 2007 after Hurricane Katrina. Their home, located near the corner of Edwin Drive and Independence Boulevard, has been the designated party place since.

"Everyone congregates at our house," Rob Wyman said. "We've gone from half a dozen to more than 100 people." Neighbors, friends, co-workers, family members - you name it, they're there to celebrate with the Wymans.

Holiday favorites including hamburgers, hotdogs, bratwurst and chicken - all cooked on the grill while attendees pitch in by bringing dishes, desserts and more.

Throughout the day, there's plenty of sitting around, relaxing, socializing, and children playing. But, as the day rolls on, everyone knows the number one reason for the gathering.

"We all get ready to watch the fireworks," Rob Wyman said. "Everyone grabs a spot in the backyard, lays out their blankets and put out their chairs."

He doesn't regret the old days when he didn't live near Mount Trashmore.

"We always used to be that family sitting in traffic sometimes watching the fireworks from our car," he said.

Not anymore.

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net