The fireworks display hosted by the City of Great Bend on July 3 turned out successful according to Community Coordinator Christina Hayes. Hayes noted over 1,000 people were inside the Great Bend Expo Complex and more than 1,000 outside the Complex for the 10 to 15 minute firework show.

The consensus from feedback Hayes received, explained the preference on having the display the day before the holiday.

Christina Hayes Audio

Hayes says there was a decline in attendance over recent years when the fireworks display was on July 4. The Great Bend City Council chose to move the show to July 3 to also alleviate the overtime personnel had to serve on the holiday.

The City donated $5,000 for the display and handled the fundraising for the remaining $10,000 from community businesses and individuals. Hayes told the Council they will have to consider whether or not the display will happen every year based on the difficulties of funding the show.