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

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matter. There were some gripes. And not just from annoyed humans. Upset canines also let their feelings be known as the explosions persisted.

PHOTO SEARCH — Virginia Hickenbottom McMillin was raised in Pacifica. At the age of 3 in 1960, she was in a house fire. Her younger brother, Bret, was with her at the time of the blaze.

He suffered severe burns in the incident. She is now seeking a photograph that she recalls running in a local newspaper (she's not sure which) that included her brother before he was badly burned in the fire.

"That picture is the only one I have ever seen of Bret and me before the fire," she wrote in a recent e-mail. She is trying to find that photo and the story that went with it.

Anyone with information can contact her at moonblossom4@earthlink.net.

PETROL PRICES — We have discovered a new employment opportunity for those who may be interested: gasoline price adjuster. Surely you've noticed the shocking trend as you've driven around.

Petroleum dispensaries can't raise the listed cost of their product fast enough these days. Sweaty guys are out there changing numbers on unleaded and premium prices at service stations so often it's becoming almost a full-time job.

It would not be a surprise if some of them were developing unfortunate cases of carpal tunnel syndrome as they hoist fresh figures with grim regularity.

If you have a local vignette or tip you'd like to share, please send it along to John Horgan by telephone at 650-348-4334, by fax at 650-348-4446 or by regular mail at 477 Ninth Ave., Suite 110, San Mateo, CA 94402.