Staking out your spot

Local Television is reporting that the city of Idaho Falls will no longer allow people to stake out their favorite fireworks viewing spot, in some cases, days in advance of the 4th of July.

I think it's a good move, candidly. If someone wants a spot, then they need to have a warm body there to hold it. Not just a tent stake and some string.

But, I think there's some opportunity for creativity here. Because there is such obvious demand for these small slices of real estate for just 31 minutes out of each year, perhaps we could capitalize on this.

The first thought is for the city to charge for space. But that won't work, because then only the wealthy, or at least the willing-to-pay, would get the best spots.

The second idea could be a money maker for some enterprising folks out there. Perhaps there should be a "squatters" service spring up. Give a kid fifty bucks and a a lawn chair, he'll keep your spot for you. But then, it goes back to the money issue.

So, what about this... a lottery. It's estimated that well over 100 thousand come to watch Idaho Falls' fireworks each year. For a buck -- everyone can afford a buck -- families could get a ticket, and each year in the weeks leading up to the 4th, an event could be held to draw the tickets for the spaces. It could be a fun thing, run by the local Chamber of Commerce, or even the city, and would give all an opportunity to get a good space. Sponsorships could be set up, and for those who like the first-come, first-served approach, a large area could still be designated as such.

This seems to be a big deal each year, and I think most agree something needs to change, so perhaps we should take the situation and make it into something!