By DAMIAN THORNTON
Express Staff Intern
While many struggling communities across the nation find themselves with no choice but to scale back or entirely forgo the traditional Fourth of July fireworks show, local contributions have ensured another pyrotechnic salute from the Wood River Valley.
The Hailey Fireworks Spectacular will bring the weekend's festivities to an explosive close from Wood River High School on Sunday, July 4. As usual, the show begins soon after dusk.
The survival of the fireworks display is a nod to the spirit celebrated each July since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence signified our separation from the British Empire 234 years ago. Once fueled by major private donations, the Hailey fireworks are now financed voluntarily through the Fourth of July Fireworks Fund.
The city of Hailey established the fund with an annual goal of $20,000—the minimum necessary for a display of Hailey's caliber. City Administrator Heather Dawson explained that this goal has been consistently met and often surpassed since the fund's creation, to the point that last year's show was able to carry on without overt fundraising efforts. This community support fuels the city's ambition to make each Fourth of July an event to remember.
"Our hopes are always that it can exceed previous years," Dawson said.
Outshining past fireworks shows without major budget increases is a fantastic goal, but one that is not easily achieved. Accidents involving fireworks, such as the devastating explosion in the Chinese port of Sanshui in 2008, have led to substantial hikes in import costs for the rockets commonly used in public displays.
Though the exact number of rockets to be set off was not available, Hailey Fire Chief Mike Chapman expects that the show will clock in at about 17 minutes and is sure to satisfy spectators. Lantis Fireworks & Lasers, an outfit from Draper, Utah, has been contracted for this year's show, which will feature rockets as large as 8 inches wide.
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"Their explosion is the equivalent of 10 sticks of dynamite," Chapman said, putting into perspective the need for enforcing a 700-foot safety radius. "We'll have three fire apparatus and eight to 12 personnel on site, both for security and to ensure any fires are kept under control."
Kept alive through tremendous community generosity and with public cooperation in maintaining another "safe and sane" celebration, the 2010 Hailey Fireworks Spectacular will undoubtedly live up to its title.
Tips for enjoying a 'safe and sane' holiday
· Fireworks of various shapes, sizes and level of risk may be bought in Idaho. That does not mean they are legal to ignite in Blaine County. The fireworks available at both stands in Hailey have been approved for public use.
· Hailey Fire Chief Mike Chapman's simple guidelines for deciphering between legal and illegal fireworks: "If it flies, travels beyond a 10-foot circle or explodes, it's illegal, and you will be ticketed."
· It is recommended that spectators walk to the show rather than drive—not only will this help avoid the inevitable post-fireworks gridlock, it will also ensure that more cars aren't at risk for damage from illegal fireworks.
· As with most community events, early arrivals are more than welcome. The show will begin sometime between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m, once the sky is completely dark.
Independence Day is a celebration of the many freedoms enjoyed by Americans—including the fantastic freedom to celebrate with explosions in the sky.
