John Horgan: Burlingame's centennial fireworks show was a doozy (San Mateo Times)
THE pleasant hamlet of Burlingame observed its centennial last weekend with appropriate flourishes. Its annual Art in the Park fest graced the Washington Park area near the downtown Caltrain station and public high school.
Thousands enjoyed the scene. Earlier, celebrants headed for the Hyatt Regency Hotel out on the community's bayfront for a dinner, dance and fireworks display.
It was that last attraction that proved to be a bit more than advertised. The late-night booming noise generated by the spectacular pyrotechnics show came as a rude intrusion for some residents along the mid-Peninsula.
That response should not have come as a shock. Those dwelling in San Bruno, Millbrae, Hillsborough and the northern reaches of San Mateo are not always tuned in to what's happening in Burlingame. Why would they be?
Although the Burlingame citizenry had been alerted to what was scheduled on the village's 100th birthday, more than a few of those folks were also startled by the rumbling sounds that began just after 10 p.m. Friday and lasted for at least 15 minutes.
The cannonade occurred on the 64th anniversary of D-Day, but that was simply coincidence, at least as far as we can tell.
One Burlingame official expressed surprise that so many individuals complained since notification had gone out any number of times over a period of months. The media had cooperated in advance as well.
It didn't matter. There were some gripes. And not just from annoyed humans. Upset canines also let their feelings be known as the explosions persisted.

– Written by Fiona