Before a single firework is shot into the sky, Marblehead showcases its unique tradition of lighting up the harbor with flares.  I’ve photographed the view of red flares encircling Marblehead Harbor from the mainland each of the past few years but haven’t had the chance to capture them from Marblehead Neck.

On this Fourth of July, we had been invited out to the Neck for an Independence Day party and, as sunset passed, I excused myself and headed down to Corinthian Lane.  I found a familiar patch of hydrangea bushes and composed this scene.  Just before 8:45pm, the red flares were lit and served to light up the harbor.  The smoke you see in the air is a result of the flares and added a bit of depth to the otherwise clear skies.