Jackson's fireworks show will be bigger this year

Jackson’s annual Independence Day fireworks show is shaping up to be one of the largest the city has had so far.

The display, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. in Jackson City Park, will be a $12,000 show.

Jackson Parks and Recreation director Shane Anderson said that figure places it among the most extravagant.

“We had a $10,000 show last July Fourth, so it’s up a little bit from last year,” he said. “I can’t say with authority whether it’s the largest show we’ve had; 2014, we had a large show, but this will be one of them.”

Fireworks displays are operated by contractors, he explained, and this year, the winning bid was one of two possible options. The city typically matches funds raised by the parks department’s Independence Day Celebration Commitee, up to $5,000.

“So they’re a big player in the fireworks show as well,” Anderson said. The majority of the rest of the funding for fireworks, he said, comes from entrance fees from the mud volleyball teams, fees from vendors at the celebration and a yearly contribution from the organizers of the car show.

“Now, we’re just hoping for good weather that night so we can shoot them,” Anderson said.

Without ticket sales, he said it’s difficult for the city to gauge attendance, but several thousand area residents typically pack the park.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “This is one of, if not the, biggest events in the city parks in terms of people.”

Free public parking will be provided near the entrance to the park by Union Street. No private fireworks, dogs, glass containers, coolers or alcohol will be permitted in the city park.

Jackson Mayor Dwain Hahs said this year’s show should wow audiences.

“I’d encourage everyone to come out because we’re going to have a full day of events lined up, of course ending with a bigger, better fireworks show, but there will also be music before the show and a car show earlier in the day,” he said.

There also will be a 5k race/fun run in which Hahs himself will be competing.

“There’s really something for everyone,” he said.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627

Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, Mo.