Fireworks in Durango might feel like a memory from the distant past. But they’re about to make a return this Independence Day – if the weather cooperates.
Durango Community Events Administrator Ellen Babers said the city is tapping a contract with Zambelli Fireworks that has idled since 2020 to deliver a true Fourth of July spectacle.
Fireworks have been absent from America’s birthday party celebrations in Durango for five of the past seven years, with Durango Fire Protection District putting on its last show in 2019.
Drought and wildfire threats have become too great a risk for the pyrotechnics. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 didn’t do anything to alleviate dangers to public safety.
In 2022, the city tried something new. It recruited drone company Verge Aero to produce the first-ever drone show in Durango.
The novelty show left audiences entertained but underwhelmed.
In 2023, the city hired Pixis Drone Shows to put on another drone show. Again, drones just didn’t quite buzz with audiences.
Babers said the truth is the city can’t afford – nor does it want to invest in – a “truly spectacular drone show.”
“In general, everybody agreed that drones are not as exciting as we want them to be,” she said.
The people wanted fireworks.
At 9:15 p.m. July 4, the city and Zambelli Fireworks plan to deliver.
The fireworks will be launched from atop Greenmount Cemetery and should be visible from many places throughout town, Babers said, unlike the drones that launched from the same point but had to be viewed from a certain distance and angle for the right effect.
Zambelli Fireworks holds about 1,600 fireworks shows annually and is a great business partner, Babers said. It allowed the city an extended contract after fireworks were canceled in 2020, rolling back the city’s deposit and giving the city fair cancellation dates close to July 4 in case drought conditions prove too severe this year.
The city budgeted $35,000 for the fireworks show, about $10,000 less than it spent on the drone show in 2023, she said. The show itself will contain well over 3,600 individual fireworks.
The city plans a host of events for July 3 to July 6 to entertain residents and attract visitors.
Babers said Staycation Sweepstakes with Visit Durango will return this year. Only residents of La Plata County (and its municipalities) can participate in the sweepstakes.
True Western Roundup is planning a traditional rodeo as well as a Red White and Bulls show, which is basically bullfighting but doesn’t endanger the bull’s life, she said.
Boxing matches, magic shows, a “Play it like a local” -themed parade and children’s wagon parade are also part of the festive lineup.
The fact remains, however, fireworks don’t work with drought conditions. Babers said the city and DFPD have been in sync on July 4 plans to ensure any fireworks display is performed safely.
Fire Chief Randy Black said many people prefer fireworks to drones – himself and his crew included – but safety is the top priority.
“After a number of mishaps nationally, after firefighters were getting injured or killed, we stopped (performing fireworks shows),” he said.
DFPD and the city have a contract for firefighters to supervise the fireworks show. But the contract stipulates that if fire restrictions are in place, the show will be a no-go.
“Be patient if we don’t have fireworks,” he said. “We feel the same as the community does when these get canceled, sometimes at the last minute.”
He said DFPD would like to celebrate the birth of the United States as much as anyone, but if its staff is spread thin by fires or conditions are just too dry, putting on the show wouldn’t be the right thing to do for the safety of the community.
The fire department regularly monitors weather conditions, fuel moisture and wind forecasts. But it’s hard to say how summer weather will shape up.
April and May temperatures have been lower than normal, which is a good sign. But recent winds have been strong, which is not a good sign.
Just in case fireworks are canceled because of drought conditions, the city is working with KSUT Public Radio on booking a band from Denver to headline the street dance held yearly at the Durango Transit Center on Independence Day, Babers said.
The city will announce the headlining band once a contract is signed, she said. The band will join Durango-based band Desert Child, which is scheduled to perform again at the street dance this year.
Babers said the week of July 4 is a common time people take vacations. Some people prefer going camping or otherwise getting out of town, but Durango’s goal is to hold a celebration the whole community can enjoy.
In planning July 4, Babers said she considered events that will make people want to stay here and invite family members to join in the experience.
cburney@durangoherald.com
