The cost of fireworks has gone up 25 percent this year, and the budget-strapped Town of Silverton has cut the $4,000 it usually chips in for Silverton’s famous Fourth of July pyrotechnics extravaganza.
But Silverton Fire Chief Gilbert Archuleta says the rockets’ red glare will still be the best on Colorado’s Western Slope.
The fire department hopes to raise nearly $30,0000 — $29,946.25 to be exact — to launch 2,800 shells in a dazzling half-hour show that has been rated one of the best in the country.
“We do need help,” Archuleta said. “We’re hoping we don’t have to go door-to-door.”
Archuleta said he and the 27 volunteers plan on “working hard and putting on a great show.”
“This is one of the few shows left where it’s all done manually and not electronically,” Archuleta said, adding that the goal is to launch at least one shell every 0.9 seconds.
“We are the only ones at the present time on the Western Slope launching 16-inch shells,” Archuleta said. Three are planned for this year’s Fourth of July show which starts at 9:30 p.m.
How you can help:
Mail donations to:
Silverton Fire Department
P.O. Box 532
Silverton, CO 81433