Independence Day fireworks: Behind the scenes
It takes more than just lighting off a few fireworks to make a memorable community wide fireworks display for Independence Day. In fact, the planning and executing for this year’s 4th of July celebrations in Lonsdale and Veseli began in January, according to the organizers of the Lonsdale Freedom Fireworks committee.
Over the past few years the Lonsdale Freedom Fireworks committee has been putting on the displays for Lonsdale on July 3 and Veseli on July 4. This was their last show. Before the final finale lit up the countryside sky, they shared what it’s like to be in the most dangerous, yet exhilarating, place to experience the display.
When planning began: January
Number of volunteers in Lonsdale for the display: 28
Number of volunteers in Veseli for the display: 24
Types of volunteers needed for the displays:
Trailer crew – hand firework shells to runners and sort them inside the trailer.
Trailer door monitor – closes the trailer door in case a shell explodes close to the ground.
Runners – responsible for getting the designated size shell to the loader.
Loaders – responsible for putting the shell into the pipe for the lighter.
Lighters – responsible for igniting the fuse to set the firework off.
Safety officer – Safety officers oversee the shoot and ensure safety but also....
To see more on this story pick up the July 11, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times or the Montgomery Messenger.