The Osage County Fair Association asked the Osage City Chamber of Commerce to take over hosting the annual “Fireworks Celebration”. Committee members, Thelma Humerickhouse, Jeff Pearson and Jeanette Swarts decided to organize the celebration into a family oriented event which included activities for everyone.
Starting in the morning, the day of events included a Youth Fishing Tournament, sponsored by ORBIS Corporation, Community Worship Service, sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Osage City and Disc Golf Tournament, organized by Erick Punches and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Mid-afternoon, the Osage County Community Patriots’ Choir presented a very entertaining patriotic concert for the public. Activities started in early evening with bounce play sets, sponsored by the Conrad Carlson Foundation, a mini car show featuring the Twin Lakes Cruisers along with other area car buffs, a variety of free games including plinko, ring around juice bottles, knock down the cups, duck pond, fireworks walk (a.k.a cake walk) and bingo. The games were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Garrett’s Fireworks donated the fireworks for the fireworks walk. Would like to thank the Chamber member volunteers that assisted with the event were Joe & Thelma Humerickhouse, Jeff Pearson, Jeanette Swarts, Jodi Lohmeyer-Stark, Jeanette & Sydney Stromgren, Angie Theel, Shanda Koett, Ronda Harmon, Rick & Zina Bryan, Susan Buenger, Debbie Rinzler, Barb Pope. Would like to thank them for their time and assistance. Delicious food and snacks were provided by Mama Rita’s Mexican, Wiley Weenie Wagon, Thrill’s Kettle Corn and Pomona Masonic Lodge #41. The Osage City Kiwanis Club provided watermelon slices, Lions Club sold pie & the 4H sold homemade ice cream. Local music group, “The Tweed Tones” provided a variety of live music throughout the evening leading up to the fireworks show.
Prior to the fireworks show, recognition was given to each branch of the armed services with its own service song being played, recognizing those that have or are serving in the armed forces & to honor those that have given their ultimate sacrifice for our country. To lead off the fireworks show, Holly McConnell so eloquently sang the National Anthem. Scott Farmer & his staff created a very entertaining and powerful fireworks display which was enjoyed by everyone.