Fireworks are on for the Fourth

Come one! Come all! Fireworks are returning to McCook for the Fourth of July! It's official. After a year-long community fund drive, the McCook Optimist Club will be presenting a spectacular $5,000 aerial display Tuesday, July 4, at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds in McCook.

For the first time in many years, McCook did not have a fireworks display in 2004. That inspired the Optimists to get involved. The 48-member group -- whose slogan is "Friend of Youth" -- launched a fireworks fund drive and enlisted the help of a number of other McCook organizations.

"We're getting close to the goal," said Trevor Premer, the Optimist secretary. To help put the fund over the top, two more activities are planned. This evening between 5:30 and 8, a benefit buffet will take place at the Pizza Hut. A portion of the proceeds from that event will go to the fireworks fund.

Then, on the night of the fireworks show, youth and sponsors will circulate through the crowd at the fairgrounds to pass the hat for donations. "We not only need funds for this year's show, we also would like to have seed money for the display in 2006," Premer said. Those who wish to contribute may send donations to: McCook Optimist Fireworks Display Fund, c/o Ron Smith, P.O. Box 272, McCook, NE 69001.

The Optimists have received big assists from two groups. The McCook Elks, who sponsored past fireworks show, contributed the remainder of their display funds, and the McCook Volunteer Fire Department and the McCook Police Union contributed $750.

Additional help is coming from the Red Willow County Sheriff's Posse, whose members will assist with parking at the fairgrounds and at the nearby Jaycee Softball Complex.

Pat Gilman, a firing technician from Scottsbluff, will direct the show with the assistance of a crew of six from Stonebraker Fireworks. This is the same company that puts on shows in Lexington, Ogallala, Bridgeport and Scottsbluff.

The show starts at dusk, which Premer estimates will be between 9:45 and 10 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the first alternative display date is the night of July 5.

Thanks to the Optimists' leadership, fireworks are returning to McCook for the Fourth of July. Let's support them with our attendance and financial support.