The year was 1988.
Alliance was celebrating its 100th birthday.
I was the director of the Alliance Chamber of Commerce at the time. So, the organization of the Centennial Celebration – to be held throughout the year – fell on my shoulders.
There isn’t room in this column to write about everything that was accomplished 37 years ago, I was pleased with the overall success of the festival.
My true moment of triumph was convincing the Alliance City Council to allow the Jaycees to move our (yes, I was a Jaycee) annual July 4th fireworks show from the dusty rodeo grounds four miles southeast of town to Alliance’s Laing Park. I firmly believed the park would enhance the show and make it more family friendly. I envisioned the neighboring homeowners inviting friends over for parties, huge family picnics at Laing Park, and social gatherings at St. John’s Lutheran Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, which were located northwest and south of the lake, respectively.
The proposed move drew its share of opposition. Some of the homeowners near the park were concerned people would throw trash on their lawns. They also were worried the fireworks would hit their homes or firework debris would land on spectators. Other critics voiced concerns over traffic control; how the fireworks would affect the Laing Lake ducks; trash left in the park; and several other issues.
I had the blessing of City Parks Director Lyle Shaughnessy, Police Chief Bob Jatzcak, and Fire Chief Bud Taylor, City Manager Wolfgang Bauer, as well as City Attorney Walt Metz. Now I had to convince the council, who agreed to hold a special afternoon meeting to address my request.
The council reluctantly approved the move, stating they would do so only because it was for the Centennial celebration. The council also informed me they wanted the fireworks show returned to the rodeo grounds in 1989.
As I exited the council chambers, which was located on the second floor of city hall, I knew the fireworks show would never return to the rodeo grounds — and it hasn’t.
When the fireworks show was relocated to Laing Park, the biggest change the Jaycees experienced was the fact that we had to drink our beer after the show instead of drinking our refreshments while we lighted the display.
At Laing Park, the police and fire department personal kept a closer eye on my fellow thirsty pyromaniacs and me.
Happy 249th birthday, America!
May God continue to bless Alliance, as we celebrate birthday number 137.
With a fireworks show at Laing Park!