craigdailypress.com

Fireworks are synonymous with Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

But when the Independence Day fireworks display was canceled due to this summer’s extreme wildfire season, officials with Moffat County and the City of Craig were presented with the unique challenge of deciding on an alternate holiday to shoot the show.

The Craig Rural Fire Protection District Board spearheaded the discussion because Craig Fire/Rescue firefighters manage the fireworks display each year.

Though a number of ideas were presented, including Christmas, New Year’s and after the Parade of Lights, the fire board ultimately decided this Sunday would be the most appropriate time for the show.

“Fourth of July is one of our more patriotic holidays,” said Lt. Matt Beckett, of Craig Fire/Rescue. “We actually have a couple of guys on the department with military service backgrounds and they thought it would be a cool partnership with the VFW.

“Everyone bought into it because Veteran’s Day goes along with the Fourth of July’s patriotic theme. The stars just kind of aligned on it.”

The fireworks show begins at dark, Beckett said.

It will launch from its usual location on the hill across from Moffat County High School. In addition to closing off the standard “hot zone” to the public, Beckett said 10th Street will be closed for 30 minutes prior to the event.

Though the fireworks show will last about 20 to 30 minutes as always, Beckett thinks it will be highlighted by its introduction and finale.

“We’re not going to do some of the bigger shells, but preset groupings at the beginning and the end,” Beckett said. “It should be pretty cool.”

Joe Moylan can be reached at 875-1794 or jmoylan@craigdailypress.com.