Columbia’s Fire in the Sky firework show prepares for its new location
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The annual Fire in the Sky celebration in Columbia will be held Sunday at 9:15 p.m. at the American Legion Park after being held at Cosmo-Bethel Park last year during the pandemic.
Erika Coffman, manager for Columbia Recreational Services, said planning the event was more difficult this year as there were many uncertainties around what the severity of the virus would be like come July 4.
"To play it safe we decided to shoot fireworks off from one of our parks similar to what we did last year and bring in other activities when we knew it was safe for us to do that," said Coffman.
Columbia resident Josh Stanfest said many residents have criticized the new location and think this is due to the lack of guidance on viewing areas.
The park itself will be closed during the show for safety reasons, but the city is suggesting locations for people to enjoy the view.
Suggested locations include Nifong Park, Home Depot, and the Hitt Street Parking Garage. Coffman said the city has video examples of what the show would look like from Hominy Creek Trail, Columbia Orthopedic Group, Home Depot, Eat Well, and Bass Pro.
Coffman said the display is estimated to be seen from about 34,000 homes in the area. The city was able to add 300 firework shells to the show and switch to larger shells to hopefully reach further distances.
Stanfest said he hopes the show is what it claims to be. "Its supposed to be the largest show ever, doubling the size of the ammunition in the past. Hopefully the majority of Columbia is able to view the show from their property," said Stanfest.
Coffman said the expansion is possible due to sponsors like Columbia Insurance Group, Veterans United, and many others who wanted to contribute since it is the bicentennial. The entire show is priced right around $38,000 and will be just under 30 minutes.
Community celebrations on Sunday before the firework show will be at Flat Branch Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with family fun activities and live music throughout the day.
The firework show will also be live streamed for those who may not be able to view the display.
Other firework shows across Mid-Missouri include:
- North Capitol Lawn - Jefferson City
- Cooper County Youth Fairgrounds - Boonville
- Howard Hils Athletic Complex - Moberly
- Les Bourgeois Vineyards - Rocheport
- Fulton Country Club - Fulton
- Macon County Fairgrounds - Macon
- Optimist Ball Fields - Mexico
- Eldon Air Park - Eldon
