Half-dozen sites being considered for fireworks

Custom program possible

Efforts are under way to test various launch sites for fireworks in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, to determine if any site would make for good viewing from both towns.

A representative of Western Enterprises, an Oklahoma-based fireworks company, was in town last week and inspected six potential sites with Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Richard Bond and representatives of the two towns. Bond said Western puts on the annual July 4 fireworks show in Gunnison.
The half-dozen sites that were inspected included the BMX Park in Crested Butte; the Robinson Parcel by the Rozman Ranch in the corridor between the two towns; a spot behind the Summit subdivision just above the WestWall ski lift; Warming House Hill, where the fireworks were launched last year; a space between the Peachtree and WestWall lifts on the mountain; and just west of the Pitchfork subdivision on land owned by Wayne Meredith.
Bond has recommended trying to find a site for the show that will provide a good view for residents and visitors to both towns. If that can’t be accomplished, he suggests the town of Crested Butte host the daytime July 4 activities, with Mt. Crested Butte hosting the evening activities, including the fireworks.
Bond hopes to have a test launch at the various sites later in early May. Each of the two communities wants to launch the fireworks: Mt. Crested Butte mayor William Buck wants the show on the mountain, while Crested Butte Mayor Leah Williams wants it downtown. If a site satisfactory to both communities can be found, the debate may end.
“Mike Carlyle of Western Enterprises indicated that each of the sites could work,” Bond explained. “He can build a custom program for each site. If [the fireworks] were launched from the BMX site, they wouldn’t be visible from Mt. Crested Butte, so he might include some ground displays.
“I was hoping they could do a test launch this week before the Crested Butte Town Council meeting on Monday,” Bond continued. “But, they said they could come next week. I’d like the tests conducted before having a major discussion with the council.”
The costs associated with the tests will be absorbed by Western Enterprises as part of putting on the event.
Bond said the launch sites on the mountain are pretty close to the Forest Service boundary; that could be an issue with the Forest Service, especially if it is a dry year.
A discussion about the fireworks is included on the May 3 Crested Butte Town Council agenda.
The two town councils hope to reach an agreement on where to host the fireworks before July 4.