HUMBOLDT Humboldt will continue its nearly 30-year-old tradition of a July 3 fireworks show on Wednesday, courtesy of the Humboldt Lions.
The tradition began in 1991 and since inception, fireworks have shot into the heavens from the golf course at the north edge of town.
Initially, afternoon games and food booths in the downtown square made for a daylong event. Today, a more modest version exists. This year, wrestling supporters will sell pork burgers and hot dogs at the southeast corner of the golf course. Another popular feature is a display of radio-controlled aircraft, compliments of a club in Chanute.
An ice cream social can be found at nearby St. Peters Lutheran Church.
The fireworks display will begin around 9:30 p.m., said Cole Herder, and will last about 25 minutes or so. About $3,400 worth of rockets and large fountains were purchased.
Our goal each year is to have a cadence so theres no dead time during the display, Herder said of the show.
Financial support comes from private donations, with solicitation letters for 2020 having been recently sent.
With regulations put in place for all explosives of any size put in place after 9/11, the fireworks wont arrive in Humboldt until sometime early Wednesday afternoon. Lions Darrell Krone and Bob Krone have had courier duties for years.
If weather interferes with the celebration, it will be moved to the night of July 4. We have it on July 3 to avoid conflict with the Iola Elks display and one in Chanute, Herder said.
Parking has been expanded to south of the golf course to relieve congestion and provide a good viewing area.
Many residents watch the display from their homes.
THE EVENT is officially known as the Humboldt Lions Mike Rickner Fourth of July Celebration, in recognition of Rickners work in getting the event off the ground.
Mikes eyes would sparkle when you mentioned fireworks, Herder said. Rickner also served as mayor and was a Lion.
Also instrumental were Bill Blattner and Dick Coykendall.
