2008 Woodie Awards
Local fireworks displays just around the corner
Krystel Pakitsos
Issue date: 6/26/08 Section: After Hours
One of the highlights of Pittsburg's Fourth of July celebration is the fireworks show in Lincoln Park, complete with synchronized music from one of the local radio stations and a thundering finale. But Pittsburg isn't the extent of local Fourth of July fireworks shows. Many surrounding cities also offer opportunities for those seeking sky decorations during Independence Day festivities.
Casey Bradshaw, junior in nursing and early childhood development, attends three back-to-back fireworks shows every year, starting on July 2 with Farlington Lake, north of Girard.
"They really pride themselves in their fireworks show," Bradshaw said. "It lasts for about 30 minutes and is filled with big bang fireworks that never slow down. I love it because you get to spend all day out at the lake with family and friends, and then end your night with a great show."
Bradshaw has been attending the Farlington show for more than 10 years and says she looks forward to it every year.
"It's a fun and enjoyable atmosphere that you can enjoy all day long and not just for the show," Bradshaw said. "There's also a band that plays and food stands set up for people to enjoy."
Bradshaw always makes it back by July 3 to catch the Girard fireworks, followed by the Pittsburg show on the 4th.
Christina Brown, graduate student in communication who is originally from Joplin, attends the Joplin fireworks show every year and says that it is typically a pretty big event.
"They usually have a big show down by OCC (Ozark Christian College)," Brown said. "It's always fairly big and fun. Sometimes they also have bands there. I know a couple of years ago I saw Chris Cagle there and it was free."
Although many people try to catch the big fireworks extravaganzas around the Four-States, others would rather create their own show at home.
"Our family usually likes to go out and buy fireworks and do our own show in our back yard," said Sara Marie Beckenhauer, junior in nursing. "Ever since we were children, we always shot off our own fireworks, and it's a nice family tradition that we have kept since we came here."
Even without the synchronized music and extravagant ending, Beckenhauer says that she still prefers her own backyard fireworks to the city show.
"I love spending time with my family, 'oohing' and 'aahing' at the fireworks," she said.
Casey Bradshaw, junior in nursing and early childhood development, attends three back-to-back fireworks shows every year, starting on July 2 with Farlington Lake, north of Girard.
"They really pride themselves in their fireworks show," Bradshaw said. "It lasts for about 30 minutes and is filled with big bang fireworks that never slow down. I love it because you get to spend all day out at the lake with family and friends, and then end your night with a great show."
Bradshaw has been attending the Farlington show for more than 10 years and says she looks forward to it every year.
"It's a fun and enjoyable atmosphere that you can enjoy all day long and not just for the show," Bradshaw said. "There's also a band that plays and food stands set up for people to enjoy."
Bradshaw always makes it back by July 3 to catch the Girard fireworks, followed by the Pittsburg show on the 4th.
Christina Brown, graduate student in communication who is originally from Joplin, attends the Joplin fireworks show every year and says that it is typically a pretty big event.
"They usually have a big show down by OCC (Ozark Christian College)," Brown said. "It's always fairly big and fun. Sometimes they also have bands there. I know a couple of years ago I saw Chris Cagle there and it was free."
Although many people try to catch the big fireworks extravaganzas around the Four-States, others would rather create their own show at home.
"Our family usually likes to go out and buy fireworks and do our own show in our back yard," said Sara Marie Beckenhauer, junior in nursing. "Ever since we were children, we always shot off our own fireworks, and it's a nice family tradition that we have kept since we came here."
Even without the synchronized music and extravagant ending, Beckenhauer says that she still prefers her own backyard fireworks to the city show.
"I love spending time with my family, 'oohing' and 'aahing' at the fireworks," she said.
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