The annual old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration at Dehart Park on Monday, July 4 was another safe and successful display, according to Christopher Corbett.
Corbett, who serves as the Patrick County fireworks coordinator and attorney for the Town of Stuart, said more than 1,000 firework shells were used during the 37-minute display, as onlookers viewed the fireworks from the First Horizon Bank and the area near the bypass. Many others watched from DeHart Park and other high ground areas.
He estimated 25 people were needed to work behind the scenes and pull off the massive event for the community.
Work for the event began several days before the big show, with volunteers collecting equipment, organizing it and arranging for pop-up tents and coolers.
“Not counting that, when the crew gets on site, it takes about three to three-and-a-half hours to set it up, and it takes about an hour to take it down,” Corbett said.
The contributions from team members who worked hard to present another successful event are appreciated, Corbett said, adding that the Patrick County Recreation Department is also good at providing cleanup help after the event is finished.
“Because shooting fireworks is inherently messy and leaves some debris, all of which is biodegradable, but Clyde’s (Crissman, director) good at providing folks to help clean that up in the day or two following the display,” Corbett said.
He also thanked the county, the town, and the Patrick County Tourism Department for financial contributions towards purchasing the fireworks.
