Boulder will celebrate Independence Day on Friday with its traditional all-hands parade and pyrotechnics display from Cap Hill, and just one fireworks vendor.
The last has been a subject of some concern since the City’s denial in May of Hong Kong Harry’s permit for a temporary fireworks stand. Hong Kong Harry’s is a Columbia Falls-based company that runs over 60 concessions across the state, including in Townsend and Whitehall.
City Administrator Brian Bullock initially refused the license because Hong Kong Harry’s would have challenged an existing stand run by Boulder Kiwanis, whose proceeds fund the community fireworks show. In recent years, the Kiwanis says, the display’s cost has outpaced its revenue from fireworks sales, even without competition.
But City Attorney Ed Guza later determined that Boulder could not legally deny Hong Kong Harry’s application because its Code of Ordinances provides no basis for doing so. That set the stage for a less formal appeal.
At the City Council’s June 16 meeting, Mayor Rusty Giulio said he had spoken to Rick McNauthon of Hong Kong Harry’s. “I explained what the Kiwanis does and asked that [Hong Kong Harry’s] didn’t ask for a business license,” Giulio said. “He was kind of agreeable.”
As of June 30, the City had not heard back from Hong Kong Harry’s on its application, according to Bullock.
Meanwhile, the Kiwanis stand will be open as usual in the lot next to the city pool, behind Jefferson High School — from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or as long as supplies last) on Independence Day. “We’re about normal so far,” said Kiwanis member Gary Kraft. “It’s usually slow the first few days, and then it goes crazy starting July 3.”
The city’s July 4 parade down Main Street will begin at noon. The event is traditionally an organic affair: “We encourage folks to participate in the parade — simply show up — and we get a tremendous response,” said county Events Director Bruce Binkowski.
Last year, some 50 individuals and organizations entered vehicles, horses and displays for the event. This year, participants will line up in Veterans Park starting at 11:30 a.m.
The fireworks display, presented by the Kiwanis and the Boulder/Bull Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, will begin at dusk.
