| Annual fireworks display cancelled | |
| July 03, 2012 Citizen Staff Report | |
 Western Nebraska Community College has learned the annual July Fourth fireworks display scheduled that evening has been cancelled. This will be the first time in 37 years the community has not had a fireworks show. Event coordinator Tracy Ford said a change in the show's sponsorship resulted in the need for a new permit from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. Notice from the Nebraska Jaycees that they no longer wish to sponsor the event arrived too late to acquire a new permit, which takes 10 days. Efforts were made by Gering City Council member Jill McFarland to obtain permission to hold the display at Memorial Stadium in Gering. Gering Public Schools' business manager, Tim Meisner gave permission for use of the field; however, Ford said that the State Fire Marshall must ultimately give permission for the display under the new name of Scottsbluff Fireworks Fund. The debacle began when the State Fire Marshall was contacted by the Nebraska Jaycees with concerns about their liability should the display go on under their name. The new sponsor, Scottsbluff Fireworks Fund, is a non-profit organization and staffed entirely by volunteers. Ford is still collecting donations to offset expenses incurred for this year's advertising, mailing and fireworks. Ford said he looks forward to next year's July Fourth fireworks display. For more information, contact Ford at (308) 631-0550. Read more by Citizen Staff Report |
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