By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
While personal fireworks are not allowed to be discharged in Great Bend
until July 4, the city is preparing for another large fireworks
display the night before to kick off the holiday celebration. Great Bend
Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said the Sunday, July 3 fireworks display frees up the holiday for citizens and for city staff.
"So many people love to shoot off their fireworks at home," said Hayes. "We've found that we have better attendance on July 3. People can go home and still celebrate with their families the next day."
The City of Great Bend contributes $5,000 to the display and solicits donations
from businesses and individuals for the rest of the $15,000 show.
The show has been taking place on July 3 since 2018 to free up
city staff on the holiday and not conflict with residents’ own firework shows.
The display will again be at the Great Bend Expo Complex beginning shortly
before 10 p.m.
"We have plenty of parking," said Hayes. "You can sit on your tailgate, bring lawn chairs, whatever you want to do. It's a great show. It will come from the west."
Gates to the parking near the Expo Complex will open at 7:30 p.m. The “soundtrack”
to the fireworks display will air on 100.7 Eagle Country beginning at 8:30 p.m.