Fireworks show set to draw crowd

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for next week’s Fourth of July fireworks display, one they say is bigger and better than last year’s.

“We’ve got a good show coming this year, just a little bit bigger than last year,” Chamber director Kevin Gartland said.

This year’s show will start once it gets dark at City Beach, around 10:30 p.m., Gartland said.

Last year the show saw about 2,000 people, and Gartland recommends getting to the beach early to find a good spot before big crowds arrive this year.

“We encourage people to get out there early, parking is a nightmare. So walking and or taking the shuttle bus downtown is the best way to get there,” he said.

Shuttles provided by Eagle Transit will run from in front of the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown to City Beach from 6 p.m. until the last group at the beach is shuttled back.

Big Sky Fireworks out of Helena will be putting the show on, Gartland said.

“They’ve done our show here for at least 10 years, they do a great job with it and I’m looking to a spectacular show,” he said.

While last year’s show required no fundraising because of saved funds after the 2015 show was canceled, this year the chamber is still just a bit short of its fundraising goal. Gartland said he’s working to secure the final $4,000 in the next week before the show.

“I’m hoping we’ll get there by the Fourth, but the show goes on one way or another,” he said. “We think the community will come through — it’s the Fourth of July.”

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.

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 David Walburn from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Food vendors will include Sweet Peaks, Sweet Pickin’s Kettle Corn and Glacier Shave Ice.

With fireworks everywhere over the holiday, safety is always a concern.

Personal fireworks can be used in Whitefish between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 3 and 4, and can only be sold between noon and 8 p.m. between July 2 and 4.

Fireworks can only be used on private property and are not allowed in any Flathead County parks and are prohibited on state and federal land.

Fines for violating the city ordinance are $300 for the first offense and $500 or imprisonment not exceeding six months for subsequent offenses.

For safe celebrations, people should pay attention to where they are in relation to fireworks, avoid tall grass and have a plan in case something does go wrong. Since most issues are personal injuries, it’s important to be smart and cautious about handling fireworks.