Thousands expected at City Beach fireworks show

After last year’s cancellation due to fire concerns, fireworks will return to Whitefish Lake for next week’s Fourth of July celebrations.

“Thankfully, we’ve had a return to normal spring weather here in the Flathead and the fire danger of last year has passed, so we’re in good shape for a real nice show out on Whitefish Lake,” said Kevin Gartland, executive director of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

The fireworks display typically starts around 10:30 p.m., after a full day of festivities on City Beach.

Because the city expects a crowd of up to 5,000 people, Gartland recommends arriving early, or walking, biking or taking a shuttle instead. Shuttles provided by Eagle Transit will pick up outside the O’Shaughnessy Center and run directly to City Beach starting at 7 p.m., and will continue running until everyone gets a ride back to downtown. Skye Park Bridge is open for pedestrian use, as well.

The fireworks show is sponsored by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and several corporate sponsors in town, Gartland said, and coordinated by Big Sky Fireworks from Helena, who has done the show for nearly a decade.

This year’s show is the first time fundraising has not been necessary, since enough money was raised last year before the show was cancelled.

Gartland also said a number of renovations have been done to fortify the fireworks barge, adding new flame-retardant chemicals and materials.

“It’s a very small barge and we do a whole lot of fireworks on it,” he said. “We’re confident it should be in great shape, almost like a brand new barge this year.”

The main City Beach parking lot will be closed to allow vendors to set up for the day, and the boat launch will also be closed early in the morning to launch the fireworks barge. Lifeguards will be on duty at the beach from noon until 7 p.m.

City Beach rules will still apply during Fourth of July celebrations, namely no dogs, personal fireworks, alcohol or glass containers.

Music will be provided by Whitefish’s own David Walburn from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Food vendors will include Sweet Peaks, Sweet Pickin’s Kettle Corn, Glacier Shave Ice and Ferda Concessions.