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Fourth fireworks shows in the offing
Area communities planning holiday displays
fireworks displays
Pictured is the 2021 City of Great Bend Fourth of July fireworks show. Area communities are planning displays for this upcoming July 4 weekend.

Golden Belt residents are ready to fete the Fourth of July. Along with individuals revelling using their personal fireworks, area communities are set to hold their annual citywide displays.

• For Great Bend, the Independence Day observation comes a day early, on Sunday, said Community Coordinator Christina Hayes. The Community Fireworks Display takes place at the Great Bend Expo Complex, 455 W. Barton County Rd., 2.5 miles west of the 10th and Patton intersection. 

“Gates to the complex don’t open until 7:30 p.m.,” she said. Attendees can turn to 100.7 FM for the music and announcements starting at 8:30.

Gates open at 7:30 p.m.  

The test shot will be done at 9:45-10, depending on darkness and wind. Then the show, handled by Mitch Menges and Wald & Co. Fireworks, will start with the shots launched from the west.

Hayes thanked the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association, which operates the dragstrip at the facility, for providing the sound system and bathrooms. While this display takes place Sunday, Hayes had a kindly reminder to Great Bend folks. “Fireworks can only be shot off on the Fourth.”

Elsewhere in the area:

• Ellinwood Community Fireworks Display – Ellinwood High School practice football field, adjacent to Municipal Swimming Pool, West 6th Street, Ellinwood. Fireworks begin at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m., Sunday, July 3.

• Larned Community Fireworks Display – Jordaan Park, 1500 Toles, Larned. Fireworks begin at dusk, Monday, July 4.