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Fireworks show a no-go: City ends annual Independence Day celebration
By BRIAN PORTER/Managing Editor
The annual fireworks event in celebration of Independence Day has been cancelled in Mesquite and replaced with the Real. Texas. Festival., an inaugural event which took place in April.
“There was a search for a new opportunity. The Real. Texas. Festival. is different than anything else in the region,” said Greg Sowell, communications manager for the city of Mesquite. “There are fireworks shows that we really couldn’t compete with. We were looking for a signature event to make us stand out. It would be an event to showcase the flavor of Mesquite n something only we can offer.”
A few municipalities, like Allen and Rowlett, celebrate Independence Day with events taking place before the actual holiday. For many other municipalities, Independence Day celebrations are a must. It seems almost every city in the Metroplex has some sort of event on or near July 4.
With the end of events like the annual Mesquite fireworks show, and before it the Balloon Festival, there’s often a nostalgic feel that something is lost.
“We hope people start feeling that way about the Real. Texas. Festival.,” Sowell said. “You try to find something different from the rest. Fireworks weren’t the show for us. In April, we hope people will put us in their books.
“It is one of those things that grows, if you call nearly 16,000 people in a first year a struggle. It is a successful event early off and is not seen as something that is going to go away.”
The Real. Texas. Festival. included live Texas country music, a fair, cooking contest and the Don Gay All-Star Bull Riding Competition, all centered on the 50th anniversary of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.
Because the city has made the decision not to feature a Fourth of July fireworks event in 2007, they are offering a list of fireworks displays in neighboring towns at www.cityofmesquite.com.
The city is also reminding residents that lighting fireworks within the city limits is illegal. A campaign titled ‘Know Your Limits’ is asking residents to consider the city limits before lighting fireworks. Residents should begin seeing the signage around town this week.
“You don’t want to see people popping fireworks off in their front yard because it is dangerous and against the law,” Sowell said. “Go see a fireworks show.”
Fireworks were sold and previously could be lit in an area of Kaufman County which was annexed in 2006 and is now within the Mesquite city limits. After 2007, fireworks won’t be allowed to be sold in the area. Fireworks may not be lit in the area this year.
“There is a select group which is grandfathered in for this year to sell,” Sowell said, “but nobody can set them off in the city limits.”
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Sad Patriot wrote on Jun 28, 2007 9:44 AM:
" I am a sad patriot as i read this story. No fireworks on a day that holds this tradition? Francis Scott Key is rolling over in his grave...
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air...Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
As I see it... this is another time where the concern for safety is taken past the point of personal responsibility. "
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