Ironton will not have a Fourth of July fireworks display this year but thrillseekers can see displays in Coal Grove and Ashland, Ky.

Saturday, July 01, 2000

Ironton will not have a Fourth of July fireworks display this year but thrillseekers can see displays in Coal Grove and Ashland, Ky., this week.

"I’m really sorry that we’re not going to be able to have a fireworks display," Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary said.

Last year, the city was able to put on a spectacular show but funding and deadlines thwarted this week’s display, Cleary said.

The fireworks show held in Ironton is funded by area business donations. Major fireworks, or pyrotechnics, companies typically require a 90-day advanced contract to secure a technician, Cleary said.

Although the fireworks companies prefer a year-in-advance contract, they will allow up to 90 days before the event, he said.

"But there’s no guarantee they will have a shooter available if you wait that late," Cleary said. "We just were not able to secure the funding a year ago and the 90-day grace period was rapidly approaching when the funding was finally available. Of the three companies we are aware of to contact, no one could supply us with a shooter."

Cleary said that although he continually attempted to book a pyrotechnician up to recent weeks in hopes of success, plans are being made to place the funding in an escrow account and use the donations for an even bigger show next year.

"We’re going to plan on signing a contract in the near future with one of these companies to prevent this from happening next year," he said. "These companies have said they are staying very busy this year."

Ashland’s Summer Motion will hold its annual fireworks show on Tuesday at 10:45 p.m. Festival-goers can expect to see the flashing displays take place near the boat ramp.

And Coal Grove will show a colorful display this year, too, Mayor Tom McKnight said.

"Our fireworks display is part of our Family Fun Days festival and we’re really excited to be having it," McKnight said. "The people loved the show we had last year so this year is going to be the same thing."

Residents can expect to watch the booming show in Coal Grove on Monday beginning at 9:30 p.m. The show can be seen at its traditional Paul Porter Park location.

"This year is really unique in that Pick ‘N Save is interested in helping with the show," McKnight said. "They’re always one of the big sponsors for the show in Ironton and they want to help us since this is where the show is going to be this year."

Pick ‘N Save officials said they are are glad to put their annual fireworks donation to work in the village.

"Our donation to Coal Grove is us giving back to the community," Pick ‘N Save store manager Chuck Donohoo said. "Coal Grove is the place the fireworks are going to be this year, so we want to help with it."