The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
After a drought-caused hiatus, popular July 4 fundraiser returns to Keyhole
The much-anticipated firework show at Keyhole Reservoir did not disappoint the enourmous crows of spectators.
As spectators begin to gather, Ron and Steff Mummert with daughters share a few thoughts on the event's meaning for them.
Getting in a little fishing before the show.
With campgrounds filled to capacity and boats decorating the water like bright marbles beneath the setting sun, Saturday evening saw hundreds more guests enter Keyhole State Park's Coulter Bay with families setting up chairs and coolers before the sun slowly departed the day's sky.
Firefighters and EMS volunteers stood at the park entrance to offer comments, smiles and a boot for donations; this is the department's largest fundraiser of the year and the moneys collected will provide much needed supplies and equipment maintenance over the year.
Fire and ambulances were on hand from Pine Haven, Moorcroft, Hulett and Sundance for the celebration.
Fred Negebauer and his band of ten pyrotechnicians volunteered their time and expertise again this year to ensure guests enjoy a fun and safe event. As the group concentrated on properly installing fuses and setting the shells at the correct angle, Negebauer iterated the importance of safe conduct.
"Anything can happen – they're explosives, but there shouldn't be anything unusual," he said. He expressed his appreciation of the preceding rain shower to wet the surrounding space, mitigating the possibility of fire.
Negebauer talked about the willow trees, chrysanthemums, peonies and many other displays within the 252 single shell shots as well as the multiple shells ignited in sequence as the amazing finale during the approximately 35-minute show.
"It's hard to tell exactly how many shells are going to go up, but, I think, total, you're looking at thousands of shells that you're going to see tonight," he said.
With the show cancelled last year due to high fire risks, the explosives expert admitted to missing the work, saying, "This is a passion we all have and we love to do; none the less we always have to err on the side of safety and [that] was the right decision for both Gillette and Pine Haven because the fires were already out of control in the area."
Local residents Ron and Stephanie Mummert along with daughter Moriah and granddaughters Elaina and Katie Zurbuchen had set up close to the water to enjoy every moment of the event. Stephanie spoke to the meaning of the celebration to them.
"It's very patriotic. To me especially, living here in Wyoming, it means more than just a light show; it's pride in the country, pride in the EMTs and the fire department – it's a special thing here," she said.
Kayla Jundt had joined a family member who was helping set up the explosives; she also has gunpowder in her blood, saying, "I love this and enjoy it so much." She has already begun working with some aspects of the pyrotechnics and hopes to move forward with her training.
The parking areas within the gates quickly filled, leaving many to park along the roadside as far out as Highway 14 towards Moorcroft, but the long distance view did not seem to bother the observers as they watched the beautiful light show in the sky.
