Archive for Thursday, June 25, 2009

Five Questions: Bonner Blast

Fireworks light up the sky at the 2008 Bonner Blast. This year, event organizers with Downtown Business Inc., celebrate the 10th year of providing the show for the community. Rebecca Zirkle, DBI president, said this year’s event should be bigger and better than last year.

Photo by Kevin Anderson. Enlarge photo.

Fireworks light up the sky at the 2008 Bonner Blast. This year, event organizers with Downtown Business Inc., celebrate the 10th year of providing the show for the community. Rebecca Zirkle, DBI president, said this year’s event should be bigger and better than last year.

June 25, 2009

Q: When and why was the Bonner Blast started?

A: Ten years ago when Downtown Business Inc. was re-formed, the businesses were looking for a way to give back a little to the community by having our own firework display in Bonner Springs. The idea was to have it a week earlier (than Fourth of July) to not conflict with the other displays in the area. Over the course of 10 years, it has become one of, if not the biggest in the area.

Q: What can people expect from the event?

A: People can expect a patriotic tribute to our freedom, with music, an ice cream social and fantastic firework display.

Q: What time does the city band play, and how does the performance fit into the event?

A: The City Band starts at 8:30 p.m. with an ice cream social starting at 8 p.m. Typically, the band plays classic, patriotic music for the event, and they end the performance with “Star Spangled Banner,” as the fireworks begin to light up the sky.

Q: What time do the fireworks start, and where is the best place to view them?

A: Fireworks begin at approximately 9:20 p.m. or dark. The fireworks will be launched from the Shawnee Rock Bluff at the Kansas Highway 32 and Kansas Highway 7 interchange. Rumor has it they can be seen for miles, but the best place to enjoy the display would be from west of the bluff, downtown, at the Kelly Murphy Park or anywhere downtown.

Q: How has this event grown and changed over the years?

A: Actually in the beginning, the display was a little too long and has been shortened. The event has been so successful and so well received it has just become bigger and better each year.

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