Four things for the fourth

Fireworks Show

John Paul Schmidt, Havre Daily News

The annual Havre Jaycees Firework Show is set to blow people away Saturday, Fourth of July.

The organization has been putting the show together for more than 40 years, and club president Chelby Gooch said this one will be as good as the others.

Gooch said that people can park anywhere to watch the show, as long as there are not signs posted telling them otherwise. The show is set off at the Hill County Fairgrounds and many like to park their cars in the fairgrounds parking lot to watch the excitement, though many have their own special spots, like the Holiday Village Mall parking lot and the tops of various hills.

The show starts as soon as it's dark enough to start it, so find your spot before sunset.

Sales at the Jaycees' firework stand and donations go straight to next year's firework show.

Havre Jaycee Jason Murri is the man behind the curtain again this year and has a finale that will dress to impress.

Buy Fireworks

John Paul Schmidt, Havre Daily News

Where to get your fireworks:

Showtime Fireworks, from Rick and Mischelle Fisher

North across the street from Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods and the west end of 2nd Street, noon to around 10 p.m.

Jenny and Chan Miller's Firework Stand

Havre Ford parking lot, 9 a.m. to around 11 p.m.

Pyromania, from Mark Thompson

Milk River Motors parking lot, 9 a.m. to around 11 p.m.

Eastern Star-TNT Firework Stand

South across the street from Hill County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Beehive Fireworks

West across the street from Hill County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to around 11 p.m.

Havre Jaycee's Firework Stand

West across the street from Hill County Detention Center, noon to midnight

Picnic at Pepin Park

John Kelleher, Havre Daily News

At noon Saturday, Boy Scouts and veterans groups will present the flag and offer the salute at Pepin Park.

The Pratt family will sing the Star Spangled Banner.

And the 14th Fourth of July Picnic will be underway.

It will be the same as others in recent years, said Vince Woodwick, who with his brother Woody have run the community picnic.

There will be hamburgers, salads and drinks for everybody. Face-painting, balloon animals and games will help to keep the kids entertained. And there will be raffles to raise money for next year's event.

Several bands will be performing, and Lela Phillips will sing and play the guitar.

It will be pretty much like other Fourth of July celebrations, Woodwick said.

From its humble beginnings, the picnic has expanded every year, last year attracting 1,700 people.

At first, it looked like the barbecue part of this year's celebration might be discontinued.

Vince Woodwick said because of his poor health, he was unable to make the treks around town to raise funds and collect donations.

Sherry Simonson of the Girl Scouts stepped forward and told Woodwick she would help out.

She started getting in touch with past donors, Woodwick said, and the money and donations are now rolling in.

"I told her we probably wouldn't be having the barbecue this year, and she would have none of it," he said.

Now, he said, he checks his mail every morning and to see what contributions are pouring in.

"Just today, I opened the mail and there is $425 in gifts," he said.

Then Jan Liebel of Heirloom Jewelers stepped forward and started contacting people about the food.

Woodwick said the next thing he knew, it was all set up and ready to go.

Fireworks safety

John Paul Schmidt, Havre Daily News

Although you may have been hearing fireworks going off in the city lately, the setting off of fireworks within city limits is technically allowed from July 2 to July 4, each day from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Acting Police Chief Gabe Matosich had a few tips for people to keep safe and responsible while enjoying their fireworks:

• People need to remember to pick up their debri or discharged firework on any public place: park, sidewalks and streets, as well as private property you're not the owner of

• Avoid using illegal fireworks like roman candles, M80s and skyrockets - any firework not accepted by federal regulations. A good rule of thumb is: If you can buy them at the firework stands, they're regulated and allowable

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks without the supervision of an adult.

• Never place your body directly above a firework when you're lighting it. Light it and back up.

• Don't pick up or relight duds.

• Never point or throw fireworks at other people

• Always keep a bucket of water or hose in case a fire starts

• Never keep fireworks in your pocket

• Don't shoot them off from glass containers

• After fireworks go off, douse them with water. If thrown in garbage while still hot, it could start a fire

• Be safe, be cautious, wear safety glasses and have it well-supervised