Mountain to get big bang this Fourth

Council doesn’t want fireworks over fireworks

The best place to watch the fireworks this Fourth of July will probably be the Base Area in Mt. Crested Butte. Under the recommendation of the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce, the fireworks will be set off after a newly proposed live-music event on Independence Day at Warming House Hill.

The Crested Butte Fire Protection District still must approve of the plan, which is scheduled to be discussed at its board meeting June 9. But Chamber executive director Richard Bond and Mt. Crested Butte mayor William Buck came to the Crested Butte Town Council at its meeting Monday, June 1 seeking approval since both towns contribute to the cost of fireworks.
With the exception of mayor Alan Bernholtz and councilperson Reed Betz, the Town Council okayed the shift in launch location.
Financials show that the two towns have contributed roughly equivalent amounts toward paying for the fireworks over the last decade, but the show has originated in Crested Butte since 1998.
“Like you, the town of Mt. Crested Butte has spent about $25,000 over the last 10 years to have fireworks,” said Buck. “I’ve asked the Chamber to consider moving them to the mountain this year. I think it would be balanced and fair to have them up there. We are excited about having an evening music event at the Base Area and we think it would be a smashing event if it all falls into place.”
Buck said he thought the fireworks could be “pretty well viewed” from Crested Butte if they are launched from Warming House Hill. While the town of Crested Butte has already agreed to donate $3,500 to the fireworks, Mt. Crested Butte originally allocated $1,000. They plan on matching Crested Butte this year.
Bond said he hoped the shift could be made this year to see the impact of the change. “Then we can all get together and see what worked well, what didn’t and have a 10-month lead time to make everything even better,” he said. “It would be up to the two towns to see if the fireworks shifted every year, for example.”
“It makes sense to me to try to balance it out,” added Buck. “And it would add another dimension to the music we’re trying. Your guests are our guests and vice-versa. We all want to take care of the guests.”
“You bet,” agreed Bernholtz.
Councilperson Kimberly Metsch pointed out that several summer tourist information sources have already listed this year’s fireworks as being in Crested Butte. “I have a bit of a concern confusing the guests.”
Buck said announcements at the morning parade and afternoon Center for the Arts patriotic band concert could help with that issue.
Councilman Betz said it seemed strange to tout the benefit of a 10-month lead time to plan July 4, 2010, but at the same time change this year’s plan about a month from the event. “Rather than rush it, plan it for next year,” he suggested. “More time may provide for a better avenue.”
Bond explained that the Chamber had been working on the Mt. Crested Butte plan for months with the Fire Protection District. “We can make it an even better program in 2010 after the experience of this year.”
“Don’t fix what isn’t broken,” countered Betz. “Go with what’s already advertised.”
“We are hoping this helps to share the benefits of what the Fourth of July brings,” said Bond. “The Fourth is on a Saturday this year so we are hoping for a huge turnout. This is intended to spread the benefits.”
Bond explained that the Fire Protection District has looked at several locations and safety is not an issue. He even said that Crested Butte Mountain Resort will activate its snowmaking system to have water at the ready in case of an emergency, “and that’s no small expense,” he said.
Councilperson Dan Escalante said he felt moving the fireworks up on the mountain was fine. “Working with a very close neighbor is something I can agree with,” he said.
Councilperson Leah Williams agreed with Escalante and said a review with the two towns and Chamber was necessary after the event.
But Bernholtz was against moving the fireworks. “I don’t really think we should make a decision tonight until we hear from our citizens,” he said. “I represent the citizens of Crested Butte, like William represents the citizens of Mt. Crested Butte. I think we’ll hear it from the public a lot if we make a decision tonight. I think our residents and businesses will be very disappointed if we move them up to the mountain. Maybe the two towns should figure out a good location somewhere between the towns but the people I have mentioned this too really want it to stay in town.”
Bernholtz questioned the number of Chamber members in Crested Butte vs. Mt. Crested Butte and echoed Betz saying that it made sense to keep the event in Crested Butte this year and figure out an alternative with more advance notice for 2010.
Bond pointed out that both towns contributed roughly the same amount in BOLT (Business and Occupational License Tax) to the Chamber.
Councilperson Skip Berkshire didn’t want any animosity over the issue. “I think it is a fair request,’ he said. “People have become accustomed to the fireworks down here but they will adjust. Everyone wants to sit on their front porch and watch them, but what is fair? I don’t want this to be a polarizing issue. I want a cooperative relationship with our sister community. There is no need to aggravate the tension between the communities. We’re all big boys.”
The mayor insisted he wasn’t intending to polarize the issue. “This is again one of the reasons I live here,” he said. “Here we are having a big discussion over fireworks. It’s not a life or death issue. I love that. But I’d still love to have the public read about it and talk to us about it. Maybe no one cares at all but I think the public should have a chance to discuss it. There shouldn’t be any ill will between the towns. I’m just trying to light the fireworks. It’s a great thing. I think fireworks should be legal every Sunday.”
The council voted 4-2 to go with the Chamber’s recommendation. Bernholtz and Betz voted against the idea. Councilperson Billy Rankin was not at the meeting.
If the Fire District approves of the plan, look for the big bang to originate from Warming House Hill this year.