Augusta businesses keep 4th of July booming

Last Update: 7/02 9:03 pm

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AUGUSTA, Kansas – The strain on city budgets is turning out the lights on Fourth of July fireworks shows across the country. Augusta was in danger of joining that list, but its mayor refused to let the tradition die.

Just two weeks ago the city was in trouble, facing the possibility that a holiday staple could fizzle out.

“To not have a fireworks display on the Fourth of July is kind of un-American, isn't it,” said resident Jim Brown.

The Augusta City Lake has hosted and Independence Day fireworks show every year since 1976. But with no major sponsor, the city couldn’t afford to foot the bill this year.

“I was amazed at how many people were really sad to see our fireworks show not happen, so at that point I knew I could step in and make a difference,” said Mayor Kristey Williams.

Williams grew up watching the fireworks and couldn’t bear to see them end on her watch. So, she started contacting local businesses and found other felt the same way.

“I've been going to fireworks on the lake my whole life and it just made since to keep it going,” said Brett Kappelmann, owner of Cooper Drugs.

Cooper Drugs is a cornerstone of Augusta that’s been in Kappelmann’s family for more than 50 years. His was one of 11 local businesses to step forward and help donate about $6,000.

So, this peninsula will once again be filled with fireworks this Fourth of July as thousands of Augusta residents and those from nearby communities gather around the City Lake to watch a tradition continue for the 34th year.

“The fireworks is something that has always brought our community together and I wanted to do what I could to help out and it's great that we had the businesses step up like we did this year,” Williams said. “For them to go the extra mile at this when budgets are tight, it does say a lot about our community.”

A community brought together by generosity and determination to ensure the fireworks will fly for another year.

The Augusta fireworks show begins at around 9:30 Saturday night and lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.

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