Independence Day Festivities Planned for Area

The weird, the wild and the wacky can’t stop the annual Watonga and Geary Independence Day celebrations. In Geary, there will be the annual display put on by the volunteer fire department. They will set the night sky ablaze at the north end of town starting about dusk on July 4. The city has noted the fireworks will be visible all over town and asks residents and visitors not park along the highway or block roads. The city display is funded by donations.

Residents can set off their own fireworks that day as well, provided they follow city ordinances and take precautions to prevent fires from starting.

In Watonga, the annual celebration will be held at Huff-Lorang Park with the fun starting about 5 p.m. July 4. There will be free popcorn and cotton candy, city firetrucks will be on hand for water hose cool down sessions, and there will be karaoke music. Food trucks are also expected to attend. The fireworks will take place beginning at o’darkthirty and are hosted by the Watonga Police Department, the Lions Club, the Watonga Chamber of Commerce and private donations are accepted as well.

Like Geary, Watonga residents can use fireworks in town on Independence Day only. The exception is in the downtown area or the fire limits, as it is known. They may be used through July 4, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 0 p.m., with the limits being extended on July 4 until midnight.

Please remember that pets often react poorly to loud noises such as fireworks and precautions should be taken to keep them safe. Placing them in a secure crate or darkened room where they cannot escape or harm themselves may be a good alternative to allowing them to remain in the yard or in unsecured portions of the home.

Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com