Fireworks display to take place on July 4

his year, as usual, the Nevada Firefighters Local 3031 is sponsoring the annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Vernon County fairgrounds. There is a difference this year; the firefighters are going it alone. In years past the city of Nevada co-sponsored the event and a watermelon feed preceded the fireworks display, but this year the watermelon feed will not be held.

The city has four sections of the city code relating to fireworks, some concern individuals and some concern groups that put on public displays of fireworks. Basically the sale of exploding fireworks or fireworks that propel any type of projectile are prohibited within the city limits.

Exceptions are made for firework displays which are open to the general public given by an organization or group of individuals that have secured a permit from the fire chief. The permit costs $5 and requires the group to provide the name of the group sponsoring the display; the date and time of the display; the exact location planned for the display; the name, address, age and physical condition of the people who are to do the actual firing of the display; the type of fireworks to be used, and the manner and place of storage of the fireworks within the city. If the fire chief is satisfied the display will be conducted safely, he will issue a permit.

Sales of sparklers, fountains, flower pots or colored fire are permitted between June 30 and July 5 each year. Blank cartridges for sporting, theatrical, police or military purposes, caps for cap pistols, fuses and signals for use by railroads or trucks can be sold at any time. Any sales at wholesale for shipment and delivery outside the city limits is also permitted.

For more information, contact the Nevada Police Department at 120 S. Ash or by phone at (417) 448-2710.