Americans traditionally celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and the fireworks season in Fort Scott starts on Tuesday, June 27.
The Fort Scott community fireworks display will be July 3 at dusk from the Fort Scott Community College softball fields, with spectators lining Horton Street for viewing.
There are new organizers this year.
In April, Josh Jones and Aaron Judy, two local businessmen, found out that the Elks Club was no longer going to provide the fireworks for the annual event.
“They did a good job through the years, but didn’t want to take it on anymore,” Josh Jones said.
Judy and Jones are the coordinators of the event, through the Advance Bourbon County 501c3 organization.
Helping to sponsor the fireworks event is Fort Scott Gun and Pawn Shop, the City of Fort Scott, Tall Grass Building System, the American Legion, the Elks Club, Brian Bowman Construction, Engstrom Construction, the Kiwanis Club and A-1 Towing.
“Last year it cost about $11,000 for the fireworks show,” Jones said.
Enjoy Some Food While Waiting
There will be local vendors selling food and drinks: Juan Some Grub, Fort Scott High School Swim Team-lemonade tent, Valley Flavor, Tiger Ice Sno Cones, Doggone Dogs, and Los Tres Pollitos, Judy said.
Additionally, there will be corn hole and other yard games for people to use, he said.
These will be set up in the area between the FSCC John Deere Department (the old armory) and the 4-H Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, Judy said.
For other upcoming community events that Advance Bourbon County sponsors go to:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/359218265090451
Fort Scott’s Rules For Fireworks
During the event, there can be no fireworks discharged from 18th Street and Horton Street to 23rd and Horton, according to Fort Scott Police Department Chief Jason Pickert.
“They cannot be discharged on the community college campus or on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds,” he said.
Fireworks can be purchased from June 27 to July 4.
From June 27 to July 2 they can be discharged from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. On July 3 and July 4 they can be discharged from 7 a.m. until midnight.