Viewing area for city's fireworks show expands once again

As Mountain Home celebrates Independence Day this Thursday, a recent decision approved by the city will once again expand the viewing area for this year's fireworks show.

The Independence Day fireworks display will begin at dusk on Thursday, July 4, at the Desert Canyon Golf course.

Available seating at the golf course will include the entire front nine, including the seventh fairway near the canal that separates the front and back nine holes. However, the greens will remain off limits.

In 2012, the city council approved plans to extend the viewing area to the seventh fairway, which in the past was limited to the first fairway. A review of local safety guidance last year emphasized that people can get closer to the show while remaining well clear of the safety perimeter established around the launch site, according to Mountain Home Fire Chief Alan Bermensolo.

Hosted by the Mountain Home Fire Department, the event represents one of the largest fireworks shows in the region each year. At an average cost of $30,000 per year, approximately a fifth of the display features a "low show" that people don't often get to see if they're seated further away, Bermensolo said.

Prior to the show, city police will block off a stretch of East 8th North Street from North 18th East Street to the northern end of American Legion Boulevard. There is no parking available on this stretch of road as well as at the city golf course.

Bermensolo emphasized that personal fireworks are prohibited on the golf course. Also, people are prohibited from using the golf greens.

Signs will guide people to viewing areas on the course, including routes around the canal. Following the show, light stanchions will help guide people off the course.