Thumbs up: To everyone responsible for the Fourth of July fireworks display at Riverfront Park, to the nifty idea that the Veterans Memorial Bridge should be closed off for the celebratory event, and to all those people who assembled to ooh and aah over the event.

Closing a major bridge is never an easy decision, but in this case it was inspired. It proved to be a very popular and hugely satisfactory location to watch the show. The mood was relaxed and happy, mosquito problems were minimal, and when the fireworks display ceased a hearty cheer rose up from the crowd.

Of course, the whole scene might be tweaked a bit. Should patriotic music be piped in for bridge-sitters? Maybe some live music? Either way, the extra work city crews put in to close off the bridge was well worth it, and here’s a vote to do it again next year.

Parry commentary wasn’t helpful

Thumbs down: To Sen. Mike Parry, R-Waseca, for his bomb-throwing commentary saying Gov. Mark Dayton should resign because he intentionally wants to hurt state workers and doesn’t care about them.

Not only are the comments detrimental to creating an atmosphere where Republicans and Democrats can work together in respect, they shed an unpleasant light on the Waseca area as people wonder if Mr. Parry is representing the sentiment of average Wasecans.

We know that’s not the case, and we wonder if Parry’s incendiary comments will come back to haunt him and his constituents if he ever has to work together with Dayton to achieve something for Waseca and his district.

As far as who wants to “hurt state workers” we suspect Parry would find it hard to defend the proposal he supports that cuts 15 percent of the state work force versus Dayton’s proposed cut of only 6 percent.

Editorial board

Sculptures greatly appreciated by many

Thumbs up: I wish to thank CityArt Mankato for organizing and implementing the sculpture walk.

The sculptures are magnificent and greatly appreciated by many in our community. I also wish to thank the numerous sculpture sponsors and the people and businesses who devoted much effort to implementing this ambitious project.

Sadly, I wish to apologize for our fellow citizens who chose to damage some of the sculptures. I am both outraged and embarrassed by the selfish actions of a small number of people who must have thought it was their right to damage or take for themselves what was meant to be shared, interpreted and enjoyed by all.

Sally Coomes

Mankato

Lancers made party memorable       

Thumbs up: Thank you, Mankato 77 Lancers, so much for all they did to make Tina’s 16th birthday party a memorable success.

Because of their kindness and open invitation to join their festivities, a complete disaster was avoided. Great job at the parade and hope to see them again next year. They are truly a talented and special team.

Sandra Taylor

Bristol, R.I.

St. Peter parade donations appreciated

Thumbs up: Thank you to all who donated non-perishable food items and cash donations to the St. Peter Area Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Food Shelf Collection Project during the St. Peter Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade.

Our many volunteers collected 220 pounds of food and we raised $374.64 in cash donations. In addition, the St. Peter Area Chapter of Thrivent will be providing supplemental funding of $500 so a total of $874.64 will be donated to the St. Peter and New Ulm Food Shelves.

Thank you to Econo Foods for lending us the grocery carts, Cub Foods Hilltop for the grocery boxes and to Timberlake Sod for the use of the truck and trailer for the parade.

We were honored to receive the 2011 Mayor’s Choice award. Thank you for your participation in helping Thrivent feed our community and we hope you will consider donating again at the 4th of July St. Peter Parade in 2012.

Ann Volk

Area Chapter president

St. Peter