It’s gonna get loud; July 4 fireworks sales start Friday

    With the Fourth of July holiday just under two weeks away, fireworks sales can start this Friday across Nebraska,
    According to the Nebraska state statute, retail consumer fireworks can be sold only June 24 through July 4.
    Imperial has a city ordinance that includes those dates in the city limits, as well, but also sets time limits for shooting them off during the day and night.
    In town, discharging of fireworks can be done only from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 24 through July 3. On the Fourth, shooters must stop by 11:59 p.m., reads the city ordinance.
    Any person who violates the city ordinance on fireworks dates and times can been found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined $25.
    Police Chief Ryan Wisnieski said city residents need to keep their neighbors in mind when discharging fireworks.
    “Be courteous to your neighbors,” he said.
    Wisnieski also strongly suggests parents make it a priority to be present when their children are shooting off firecrackers and other devices.
    “And follow the directions on the fireworks,” he said.
    With extremely dry conditions here, Fire Chief Doug Mitchell has his own concerns as the fireworks season arrives.
    “Everyone needs to be very careful,” Mitchell said.
    He said the fire department is ready to respond if needed, but wants all to take precautions when discharging fireworks.
    Earlier rains had greened up  a lot of the fire district, but last week’s 105 temperatures and hot winds have created a severe dent in that, he said.
    To help in their fire prevention efforts, members of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department will be instructing a Firework Safety class at Mid-Plains Community College in Imperial on Monday.
    The June 27 class is geared to ages 5 and older and will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the college. The class is free.
Fireworks show July 3
    Imperial will continue its tradition of a Fourth of July public fireworks show on July 3 this year, Fire Chief Mitchell said.
    This year’s show will happen at the Chase County Fairgrounds about 9 p.m.
    Parking is available on the north and south sides of the fairgrounds. Others often park in the school parking lot along East 9th Street.
    Coordinated by the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department, city of Imperial tax dollars purchase the fireworks, which went up considerably this year.    
    Imperial’s July 3 show allows for a rain date July 4 should weather be a factor.
    Both Grant and Holyoke, Colorado have fireworks shows planned for July 4.
    Ogallala has cancelled its fireworks show this year due to the dry conditions. No fireworks can be sold there this year either.