The other day I was discussing with someone in the chatbox about the issue of illegal fireworks in Idaho. (Here’s an article about the dilemma.)
Through our discussion, we came up with the idea for Idaho Falls to add another major fireworks event, perhaps called ‘the afterparty’. It would probably be held at Sandy Downs at 11:00 or 11:30 PM on the 4th of July. The time would be scheduled specifically to allow time for people to get there after Melaleuca’s big fireworks show.
It would have a sort of fireworks ‘firing range’ setup for any citizens to fire of their bottle rockets, Saturn missiles, roman candles, firecrackers, etc. The point of the ‘firing range’ is to designate an area where people light off from and towards a general direction, thus minimizing any harm that would normally happen when those fireworks are lit off in our neighborhoods. A ‘range master’ would be in charge, and could offer to shoot off fireworks for anyone who was obviously intoxicated.
The public could watch from the Sandy Downs grandstands or their cars in the parking lot. The event would only last as long as the public provided fireworks, so I would estimate 30-60 minutes. I think the event would have to be free to encourage people to travel so late at night, but I’m sure concessions could be sold to break even on costs.
The noise would be incredible for the few folks living around Sandy Downs, but think of how much less noise would be caused throughout the entire city of Idaho Falls, as happens now. The fire department could have a presence there to ensure safety or put out any small brush fires.
Finally, this type of event would appeal to those ‘disturbed’ (shall we say) by Melaleuca’s heavy hand on the city fireworks show. For whatever reason, many people would probably like this type of secondary, albeit smaller, citizen’s fireworks show. Of course this idea is dependent on being able to fire off the currently-illegal fireworks in the designated zone (Sandy Downs). Would that variance have to come from the state, county, or city?
What do you think?
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It WAS all he had to say about it!
:@:)
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Joe, that seems like the most sensible answer to the ongoing fireworks debate that I have heard so far. Of course the people who live out near Sandy Downs probably wouldn’t think so but if the event were held on one day only it wouldn’t be much noisier than having a rodeo or something else out there.
That would enable people who enjoy that type of thing to get their fill and at the same time keep our neighborhoods a little more peaceful. I would support an idea like that, even if it meant waiving the “illegal firework” definition for this one event only.
Regarding fire danger, there is some vegetation out there but an event on this scale would surely call for having a fire truck or two on standby, maybe even wetting things down ahead of time.
This would be a great compromise between those who love their fireworks and those who wish they would go away.
Joe, it is your money paying for this site (IdahoFallz.com). As it is your money, you have the right to use your “heavy hand” in directing its look, feel, and content. Folks who don’t like your “heavy hand” in determining what is and what is not SPAM either have to accept your heavy handed decision or not participate. Your chat feature will not allow the word “title” because embedded within is a word you consider to be SPAM, for cryin’ out loud! Can’t have a discussion about the relationship of kidney stones and brushite, nor tell of my desire to visit Scunthorpe, England someday, either.
You and Mr. VanderSloot have something in common – you are both footing the bill to provide a form of entertainment and service to the general public. So how come your “heavy hand” is OK in your endeavor but you find Mr. VanderSloot’s “heavy hand” to be offensive and/or onerous?
8B – out of line.
Joe is providing an alternative to shooting off illegal fireworks unsupervised in the streets, which results in injuries and annoyances for residents.
From someone who lives in an apartment complex full of people who LOVE to set off illegal fireworks until 4 am, I think this is a great idea. Our community’s dogs will appreciate it as well.
8B
Please show me how Frank and Joe are the same in “footing the bill to provide a form of entertainment and service to the general public” I saw no comment cards, or way to provide input from the community to Frank like Joe has established on his site. Joe allows dissent and ideas not the norm in his “heavy handed” site. This is not a place for only those like minded as Joe and/or others. All are welcome here. That is what seperates true Patriots from rich posers. A true Patriot allows for others ideas. Frank, and those like him, only like thier own ideas. That seperates the two Joe and Frank, 8B Hope you notice.
JeremyPlo:
Ever since the first time I picked up a crayon, I’ve colored outside the lines.
vote4change:
It’s not about “comment cards.” It’s about “he who pays the money sets the rules.” But if you want to fill out a comment card concerning the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, you will find an email address at the Melaleuca web site Joe has furnished linked to the right. I’m sure Mr. VanderSloot will appreciate your feedback.
8B: the IdahoFallz.com spam filter only contains 8 or 9 swear words and the website suffixes of common spam sites. I made that decision just to keep this site from being filtered by local schools and parental controls, not to curtail anyone’s speech.
I’m sorry you’re upset by that single limitation. In the future, you can simply misspell it with a space like: t itle 8^)
Joe, the rules you have set up for IdahoFallz.com do not upset me. Because you are the one paying the bill for its very existance, you are the one who sets the rules for IdahoFallz.com. I’m quite all right with this concept.
What irks me is you referenced Mr. VanderSloot as “heavy handed” when all he is doing is exercising the same right of control over how his money is used that you are exercising over the way your money is used.
Ok, I understand your analogy now. I don’t equate a simpler filter against swear words in public dialogue with renaming a sacred celebration after commercial interests, but I guess we can agree to disagree.
If the city or a local cannot secure Sandy Downs for an after-fireworks party, can locals just kind of “congregate” somewhere and shoot off fireworks together?
Where would be a good spot?