By Ron VandenBoom
Havre Jaycees are still planning on adorning the July Fourth night sky with $6,500 worth of sky rockets despite the dry weather conditions.
More than 290 pieces of fireworks consisting of 3- to 8-inch shells have been acquired by the Jaycees for this year's show, said Jason Murri, chairman of the event.
Special precautions have been made with the Havre Fire Department to provide fire trucks in the fairgrounds arena area during the night show to help ensure the safety of the display, Murri said.
The annual show is paid for with the proceeds from the sale of fireworks at the Jaycees' stand in the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel of Havre.
"We have to sell between $5,000 and $7,000 worth of fireworks to pay for the night display," said Jaycee member Doug Christensen. "We try to increase it (the show) every year, but in order to pay for it we have to sell everything in here."
The Jaycees sell firecrackers and sparklers plus an assortment of sky rockets, Atom Splitters, and Magnum Thunder Artillery Shells.
Christensen said the Jaycees are also raising funds this year by selling 3-D glasses for $1 each. Christensen said the glasses are intended to enhance the viewing pleasure of the spectator.
A donation bucket and raffle are also part of the fund-raising effort this year. The raffle is for a $50 box of fireworks that will be given away July 3.
Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1327 in Havre.
Part of the proceeds this year, Christensen said, will go toward a special senior citizen project at Eagles Manor and to sponsor activities for seniors.
Dry conditions have forced the Hill County commissioners to impose a burning ban in the county.
The ban, according to County Commissioner Kathy Bessette, applies to camp fires and open flames.
"We are encouraging everyone to be very, very, very careful," she said. "It's very dangerous conditions out there."
All fireworks are illegal within the city limits, including sparklers, smoke bombs, and fire crackers. Havre police officers will be on the lookout for people violating the ordinance and tickets can be issued to offenders.
City Judge Joyce Perszyk said the use of fireworks within the city limits is a misdemeanor punishable with a $500 fine and six months in jail. The accused could have to pay damages and restitution if the use of fireworks results in property damage or physical injury.
Offenders who are minors would have their cases referred to juvenile court, she said.
