Colorful Bursts Without Loud Booms [PHIL-OSOPHY]

Most everyone can enjoy an Independence Day fireworks spectacle, except perhaps for the pets, animals, vets with PTSD, children with autism and the very young.

Bombastic fireworks make too much noise and can scare them. In fact, one of the busiest days of the year for veterinarians is July 5–the same day many farmers report that their chickens lay fewer eggs.

So some communities are trying so-called "quiet fireworks" to reduce the impact of loud fireworks. The Italian city Collecchio in the Parma province has taken the first step and hopes that other cities around the globe will follow in their footsteps. Whether the inspiration came from Italy or wherever, Rhode Island organizations are aiming to give it a try.

Tuesday, July 2 from 9 to 10 p.m., the Rhode Island State Department of Environmental Management and the Student Veterans Association at the University of Rhode Island are hosting a "quiet fireworks" viewing at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, RI. Since this is the first year this event will be held, it will be interesting to see if they have a good turnout.

In reality, they can't make fireworks 100 percent quiet, but the noise level is next to nothing, along with the sizzle sounds that can be heard from the pyrotechnics. I'm told the silent fireworks are deeper in rich colors but that they're smaller than the conventional type.

I hope they get a decent crowd. Is there any possibility you'll be going?

If you know a family that might benefit from this information, feel free to share it with them.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @ PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.