Imperial fireworks moving to new location

    It isn’t moving far, but this year’s Imperial fireworks show will be set off from a new location.
    The Imperial show will remain on its same July 3 schedule starting at 9 p.m., but this year, will be shot off from the city’s Cornerstone property, on a piece of ground north of Imperial Wolf Auto.
    City officials and the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department looked for another location after the Chase County Fair Board scheduled the Bull Riding Challenge on the fairgrounds on July 3.
    IVFD members, who shoot off the fireworks, noted at a February city council meeting they were beginning to outgrow the fairgrounds location anyway, so had looked for another location.
    IVFD officers say the Cornerstone property is a good option for the show, with no overhead power lines and has the needed distance from residential property.
    Fire Chief Doug Mitchell said the 20-30 minute show will feature the same number of shots as last year after the council approved the $9,800  expenditure in February.
    Mitchell said they will take all of the precautions as they have in previous years—including watering down the grass and will place caution tape around the area.
    For Imperial’s size of show, state law requires them to be 350 feet away from any parking, buildings or spectators.
    In case of bad weather Monday, the show will be held at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.
Viewing options
    The fair board is encouraging people to remain in the grandstands for the fireworks show if they attend the Bull Riding Challenge from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday. If they aren’t at the event, people are still invited to sit in the grandstand or bring chairs for seating on the cement area.
    Mitchell believes that will be the best location for viewing, as the fireworks show will be just a couple blocks southeast of there.
    Mitchell also gained permission from the owner of JM Precision (the former Scott’s Pump building) at 171 Highway 61 to park in the graveled lot west of their building.
    City  Administrator Tyler Pribbeno noted people can also park along East 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets, as well as Holland and Orsa Streets in that area.