As the Barton County Commission Wednesday morning approved a public fireworks display Sunday night at Encounter Church, 601 S. Patton Rd., the church’s pastor, Rev. Dwight Dozier, said the community was invited to attend. 

“It’s  just a great celebration,” he said, noting fireworks have been used to mark our nation’s founding since the very beginning. The show goes off at dusk, but starting at 6:30 p.m., there will be inflatable attractions for children, a corn hole tournament, food and frozen custard. 

In January 2004, the commission adopted a resolution establishing a county fireworks policy. It established the discharge of fireworks on July 4 of any given year between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight. 

The resolution further states the commission may, in its discretion, grant permission at any time for public displays of fireworks by responsible individuals or organizations, as long as the displays are not a fire hazard nor endanger persons or surrounding property. In no case shall such displays be held within 400 feet of any building in the county.  

The commission deemed this as appropriate.

Dozier said they have disced the launch site and will have a water truck on site. They have also gotten the blessing from surrounding landowners.

A member of the congregation sets off the fireworks.

“We’re in support of this,” said Great Bend Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith. The Fire Department’s only concern was that this was taking place at the same time as the City of Great Bend’s display at the Expo Complex west of town.

“We have the personnel,” he said. “It’s just that there are two displays at once.”

It was noted that both of these shows are relatively close to each other, making this less of an issue.