Our View: Fireworks can create opportunity

Green River is sitting on a fantastic business opportunity.

With Rock Springs canceling their July 4 fireworks show, Green River can capitalize and draw Rock Springs residents to the city for its own fireworks display. 

We’re not criticizing the Rock Springs municipal government for its decision to save money by cutting the yearly display. In fact, it’s a move which proves both how dire funding to Sweetwater County’s municipalities is, as well as the city’s commitment to not laying off its employees. However, there are more than a few Rock Springs residents who will make an evening out of watching the fireworks and Green River could accommodate those residents easily. 

The city or chamber of commerce could host a viewing party at Stratton Myers Park, with food trucks catering to people parked at the park.

Allow people to start parking at 8 p.m., give them information about what’s available in Green River – parks, restaurants and the like, and sell the city as a place people can go to enjoy a few hours of fun.

Another idea would be to utilize the city’s landing strip, the Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport, as a place to allow limited use of fireworks.

Fireworks use is banned within city limits, but a place like the city’s landing strip would provide an ample, clear area for people to light their firecrackers, Roman candles and artillery shells.

The spaceport area is utilized for the city’s annual Spaceport Day event, so there shouldn’t be an issue hosting another event there. With firefighter and police supervision, hosting a sanctioned fireworks could work out.

A small fire crew could be on hand in case someone does start a nearby fire and anyone getting too wild with their fireworks could be cited by an officer stationed at the landing strip.

Charge a small admission fee and double-down on citing residents lighting fireworks within the city and residents will make their way to the landing strip to enjoy their fireworks.

Cleanup could be handled by the police department’s work restitution crew the next morning and the landing strip would be available for use in no time at all..

Being the only location in Sweetwater County to have a fireworks show makes Green River stand out in a way it rarely has an opportunity to do. It can be a destination for people who want to see a fireworks display and local businesses can capitalize on that fact.