The city of Emporia’s Fourth of July fireworks show will largely be a public-volunteer partnership.
City Manager Mark McAnarney tells KVOE News the city is teaming up with a group of volunteers led by pyrotechnician Bernie Toso to hold the show July 4 at Emporia State University.
The means the city is adjusting its approach in other ways, including the purchase of the pyrotechnic equipment at a cost of around $8,500. The city has also purchased additional insurance for the show. It will cover the volunteer group in case of an incident.
The Flint Hills Optimists decided not to organize the show as a club after doing so for over a decade. Club president Matt Fowler says the Optimists had essentially become a hired production crew for Rainbow Fireworks out of Inman, but the lack of licensed club members on hand to help with setup and teardown was what prompted the club to step aside. He says he will cherish his time involved with the fireworks show.
In separate but related news, the city has announced the sale and discharge window for fireworks. Legal explosives can be purchased and fired off from June 27 to July 5. Hours are 10 am to 10 pm for most days. The exceptions are July 3-4, where fireworks can be sold and shot from 10 am to 11 pm.
