BonnerSprings.com

At about 9 p.m. Saturday, light raindrops began to fall from the sky around Bonner Springs.

The rain didn’t last long and didn’t disrupt the Bonner Springs City Band from performing as part of the 10th annual Bonner Blast celebration. It may, however, have affected how many people stuck around for fireworks following the concert.

“I think between the heat and the threat of rain, we didn’t see the same turnout as in past years,” said Rebecca Zirkle, president of the Downtown Business Inc., which sponsors the Bonner Blast each year. “I normally see thousands of people, and I just didn’t see that this year.”

But that being said, the Bonner Blast did not disappoint.

As usual, the night started with an ice cream social in Kelly Murphy Park. Small American flags were passed out to many people as they went through the line topping their ice cream with syrups.

The flags were just one small reminder that the Bonner Blast was in part a celebration of veterans and their service to the country. Many people wore patriotic clothing, and one person even brought a lawn chair with an American flag design across the back.

The patriotism continued as the color guard with the Bonner Springs VFW presented the flag for the National Anthem. Everyone in the audience at Kelly Murphy Park stood with hands over hearts.

The attention then turned to the City Band, which packed its program full of patriotic songs and strong marches.

“The band did a great job, but they always put on a good show,” Zirkle said.

At about 9:25 p.m. the culmination of the evening came when the sky over Bonner Springs was lit up in bright colors and loud booms, as fireworks exploded overhead.

The short, yet sweet fireworks display had cars stopped all throughout the city. A large group pulled off into the grassy area at the Kansas Highway 7 and Kansas Highway 32 interchange.

Cheers and claps could be heard during the show as people kept their heads to the sky to not miss one exploding sparkle.

“The fireworks display was phenomenal,” Zirkle said. “They did a great job, like they always do.”

Zirkle said that night was a great way to celebrate such a milestone in a Bonner Springs tradition. She said businesses started the event as a way to give back to the community, but it has turned into so much more.

Next year, Zirkle said she hoped to get downtown businesses to stay open later that night to draw attention to the special attractions the city has to offer.

“I heard a lot of good response,” Zirkle said. “Many people said they were impressed with the town, and said they didn’t know we were so active. It was such a great evening for Bonner Springs.”

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