Fireworks light up Fort Smith’s downtown area

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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This year’s Mayor’s Fourth of July Celebration established established several "firsts"for Fort Smith.

Mayor Sandy Sanders, in his first term, hosted the event — the first time in 20 years a new mayor has done so in Fort Smith. Sanders said this year’s show, held at Harry E. Kelley Park in downtown Fort Smith, will be bigger, better and longer than in previous years thanks to the first ever corporate sponsorship of the celebration. Arvest Bank contributed $2,500 to the city’s $12,500 to expand the fireworks display. Because of this, Sanders said the city was able to negotiate a deal and get a $20,000 show for $15,000.

The crowd of thousands appeared to agree with the quality of the show as cheers erupted during the grand finale after almost a half-hour of continuous fireworks concluded at 10 p.m. Speaking of the crowd, which was possibly the best turnout ever, Sanders said, "To me, it’s huge."

The crowd was estimated to be more than 10,000.

The Fort Smith Citizens Academy Alumni Association had two concession stands operating at the park selling drinks and snacks.

"We’ve been swamped," said Vicki Newton, co-president of the academy.

The money raised from the concession sales will help fund the academy and also appreciation events for the city, Newton said.

The evening began with entertainment from the trio Blue Fiddle and a fly-over of A-10s from the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard. The River Valley Community Band took to the stage and performed for an hour before turning the show over to Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes who did a split show pausing for the fireworks and then resuming afterward.

And in the end, there is a "last." Charles Booker, conductor of the River Valley Community Band is stepping down as conductor after seven years. He will return to the trumpet section and hand over the baton to Sean Carrier.