KELLY GOOCH kgooch@tylerpaper.com
Those who have traditionally attended a fireworks show at Lindsey Park will still have that chance this year.
The Tyler Jaycees, which previously organized the annual fireworks show at the park, has disbanded. However, City Manager Mark McDaniel announced Wednesday that the city will coordinate this year’s fireworks show.
He said a lot of people were interested in putting together a fireworks show, and the city was able to, especially since it had private funding.
According to a news release, Police Chief Gary Swindle, Fire Chief Tim Johnson and Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Rollings were integral in investigating how feasible it was for the city to coordinate such an event.
“We’re pleased that it came together,” McDaniel said. “The staff worked really hard to try to pull it together … and we had some people that stepped up and helped pay for it, so that made a difference.”
City spokeswoman Serena Butcher said Texas Sen. Kevin Eltife was the primary sponsor for the fireworks show.
Tyler Mayor Martin Heines, Greenberg Smoked Turkey, Inc., the Tyler Morning Telegraph and anonymous donors are also among the sponsors, according to a news release.
Eltife said he thought it was important to ensure that everyone in the community had the opportunity to see fireworks.
“I’m happy to be a part of it,” he said.
Lifelong Tylerite Sam Greenberg, owner of Greenberg Smoked Turkey, said, “I’ve always loved fireworks, and I wanted to help continue to have fireworks in Tyler.”
The fireworks show is scheduled for July 5. The park opens at 6 a.m., and concessions will likely be available starting about 2 p.m., Ms. Butcher said. Fireworks begin at dark.
McDaniel said there will be no charge for parking or the event.
“The good news is it’s on a Saturday. It should be a great event and available for a lot of people to enjoy,” McDaniel said.
He expects that there may be more people at the fireworks show this year than in previous years because parking and the event are free.
“This is a perfect example of the community coming together for the benefit of all,” McDaniel said in a news release.