There will be a spectacular and vivid fireworks display to celebrate this nation’s 250th birthday, which will take place after all, at the Lycoming County Fairground after some scrambling and the unselfish efforts of Van Michael, Backyard Broadcasting, and various sponsors.
We at Webb Weekly thought it would be interesting and informative to have Van Michael tell in his own words how this whole process unfolded, as well as some background about Backyard’s long involvement with the fireworks show.
“My brief understanding of the history of this tradition of the radio group providing a fireworks show, and for many years, an event that started in the 90s. The City, at one point, was not able to continue providing fireworks for Williamsport,” Michael told Webb Weekly. “If my memory is correct, my brother helped raise money when the city stepped up or needed support to continue with the display that year. I believe it would have been 1993 or ‘94. My brother sold his stations in 1995, and the group that bought the stations had experience in providing and executing 4th of July displays. They picked up the task and continued the tradition of having a display. Early on, the fireworks were held at several locations outside Williamsport. I don’t know years, etc. At some point, it was moved to the City and continued for many years, with an actual event happening in downtown put on by the Radio Group. It came full circle when I purchased the Radio Group in October of 2019 and “carried on the torch” of providing the event and fireworks display for the city. The downtown event was interrupted in the year of Covid, though with Hughesville’s support, we were still able to launch the fireworks at a time when there was little positivity. With the City’s decision not to allow the fireworks or an event in downtown this year, again Hughesville has stepped in and is providing a location where we can launch our display for the nation’s 250th birthday. There is definitely an extra incentive to have a display with this being such a monumental anniversary.”
He continued, “When I received the news in March that the event and display could not be held in Williamsport, I was determined to make sure the fireworks, at a minimum, would be put in the air. I spent some time researching all of the possibilities. What many don’t know is that to put the size fireworks in the air, there must be no persons, traffic, or occupied open roads, or occupied buildings. Our display includes mortars or shells 8″ in diameter, and the fireworks company wants an 800-foot radius or safe zone with minimal combustible ground clutter. I also needed a location with as large an area as possible for the public to view the fireworks. There were really only a few possibilities that met all the criteria. Famvest partners offered their properties and support, but I could not work out a safe space to launch that met the criteria. The Lycoming County Fairgrounds once again agreed to save the day, so to speak, as did the Borough of Hughesville. Their police and fire personnel, along with support from surrounding communities, are why Lyoming County will have a large display this year. The county sheriff’s department, along with county commissioners, has offered support. Jason Fink and the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce were very helpful in helping to secure support and aiding in our search.”
He said, “Most important to be acknowledged are these community sponsors that financially support the effort. Without their financial support, there would be no display. Geisinger stepped up to be the title sponsor; other major sponsors are the EQT Corporation, The Miele Group, EH Kleckner, Inc., Quality Air Mechanical, Euro-Optic, Pneu-Dart, Woodlands Bank, Surplus City, Performance Towing and Autobody, and Rhone’s RV. Also, the First Community Foundation Partnership is reimbursing the cost for all staff providing public safety, which is substantial.
“These sponsors are doing it for this community, and I can only hope that the public patronizes and supports these sponsors all year so they can give back like they are this year, and that goes for the Lycoming County Fair that starts Wednesday, the 8th, just after the 4th celebration. Please make a point to attend and support this year’s fair so it can continue for many more years.
“Why does the radio group do this, and why am I so adamant about this tradition? continuing is simple. I want the community to have this event. I want the kids to have a display to view and remember the memories. It’s a tradition that won’t die on my watch if I can help it. The radio group is here to serve this community; we are licensed to serve. Not only with music, entertainment, information, news, weather, and emergency notifications when needed, but also being supportive of public non-profit efforts, along with community service efforts. The radio group’s ability to promote and raise awareness of the businesses that support these community events is why it can make these displays happen. Though I believe every one of the sponsors would provide the support without the acknowledgment we give them. This really is a great community. How these business leaders give back, and how the community comes together to make this happen, is very humbling (Hughesville). As noted, I can only hope the community recognizes the efforts of all involved that make these events happen. I am humbled and proud to serve these communities. Now we can all start praying for good weather!”
Gates for parking open at 7 p.m.; fireworks start at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Viewing: The fairgrounds will not be open to the public; viewing is from the parking lots.
Audio: The fireworks are choreographed to music, which can be heard on Backyard Broadcasting radio stations.
The Lycoming County Fairgrounds will not be the only place holding fireworks and related America250 activities in the area.
In Montgomery, Independence Day celebrations begin at 5 p.m. at Montgomery Park with food, music, and fireworks at dusk.
The 65th Annual Jersey Shore Town Meeting will take place from June 28 until July 5, with a spectacular air and ground fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
In nearby Watsontown, there will be a full day of activities on July 4, including the evening.
In Millville, in nearby Columbia County, there will be a July 4 parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. and a firemen’s carnival and fireworks the night of July 4 at 10 p.m. at the Little League field.
As you can see, there are many Independence Day activities throughout the area, particularly this milestone year.
