By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The July 4 holiday is now just a couple weeks away. Many special celebrations are planned around the nation as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday. During Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, Public Relations Director Addison Crites said this year’s city fireworks display will also honor the big birthday.
“Our annual fireworks display is set for Friday, July 3 this year at the Expo Complex,” she said. “It will be an extra-special celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday. There will be a total of 144 shells shot off around a 22-minute show this year.”
SRCA races scheduled for that weekend will have minimal impacts on the fireworks display. The show will be moved approximately 1,800 feet to the west, and the city will distribute information on parking changes before the event. 100.7 Eagle Country will again provide the pre-show and soundtrack for the display.
“The gates will open at 7:30 p.m.,” Crites said. “The radio pre-show will start at 8:30, and fireworks will start igniting around 9:450 to 10 p.m., depending on weather and lighting.”
Last month, the Great Bend City Council approved the discharge of fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 3 and July 4 within city limits to honor the special occasion. Kat King, owner of Flavored Creations, will also be baking and decorating a large cake to be displayed at the Great Bend Public Library on July 3. More details about that event will be released at a future date.