KIWANIS CLUB News:

Did you feel sad because there were no Kiwanis Fireworks on July 4 this year?

We’ve all had to give up a lot this year because of the coronavirus pandemic—but those who are fond of fireworks will soon have a chance to enjoy them in 2021 after all, and the show will be FREE!

Kiwanis Fireworks Chairman Pat Soran told the Kiwanis Newsletter in a recent interview that the revised 2021 plan calls for fireworks starting at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.) Saturday, Sept. 4, (Labor Day weekend), at Overlook Park. The show will be a true public service—open free to all comers—and there will be no one asking for donations at the gate.

There also will be music during the show, arranged by the people who do the Friday concerts at the pond.

In an Aug. 25 meeting—despite concerns about funding future needs—the Kiwanis Board of Directors voted to shift money to fully fund the show.

Soran warned the Newsletter that the New Mexico governor could still veto the fireworks (because of the large crowd the show draws and concerns about the coronavirus pandemic), but he and many of the usual core fireworks volunteers are moving ahead with preparations for the show.

Squibbing for the show (the addition of special fuses to reduce the number of “duds”) will take place starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Kiwanis shed in the park.

And where will the necessary extra money come from?

Los Alamos Kiwanis Treasurer Cindy Eaton recently sent out a message to Kiwanis members that said:

“We’re going to have a donation booth in the middle of the field on Sept. 4 at Overlook. I’m looking for volunteers to help collect donations (cash, check, credit card, venmo, paypal)….”

And Ann Hayes (Soran’s wife) reported to Kiwanis during the club’s Aug. 17 Zoom meeting that Pat Soran, Rick Reiss, John Arrowsmith and Andy Erickson recently “checked out” the shells and equipment, which have been stored longer than usual this year, and they were “all working”.

So, unless the New Mexico governor says no, there will be a free fireworks extravaganza on Labor Day weekend. Kiwanis hopes many people will come, bring their families, and enjoy themselves. Kiwanis also hopes that a lot of people will drop by the tent in the middle of the field and donate so that Kiwanis can afford fireworks for NEXT year.