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At Gladstone’s Fourth of July fireworks show, it’s all about the shooter.

That’s the guy working to ensure an expected audience in excess of 10,000 onlookers can simply sit back, relax and cast their gazes skyward for the 17-minute fireworks display.

"The important thing is working with the timing of the shooter," said Sheila Lillis, director of parks and recreation.

The shooter for Gladstone’s display will be provided by Aerial FX, based in St. Joseph. It’s the seventh consecutive year it has put on the show in Gladstone. Lillis said that familiarity helps make for a beautiful display, but more importantly, it makes for a safe show.

"Getting your shooter involved to find a good location to shoot from is critical," she said. "You have to find a spot that’s safe and that dictates the size of the shells you’re going to use."

While the crowd typically gathers for the show at Oak Grove Park, at Northeast 76th Street and North Troost Avenue, the fireworks shells are actually set off on nearby North Kansas City Schools property. Although Lillis would not confirm where that spot was, she did acknowledge it is in a different location than previous years.

Aside from retaining a quality shooter from year to year, Lillis said safety was the top priority for the city staff of more than 30 that will ensure everything from parking to crowd control is taken care of in a safe manner.

And those workers will be on alert for people bringing their own fireworks to the park, which is illegal in Gladstone, according to Richard King, Gladstone public information coordinator. He said fireworks and a crowded Oak Grove Park don’t mix.

"The park is packed and then you have someone lighting firecrackers and somebody is going to get hurt," King said. "We’re going to be beefing up enforcement."

As for the show particulars, parking is free, the Northland Optimist Club will be selling concessions and, as always, the North Star Community Band will begin its concert at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks display starts at 9:50 p.m.

Lillis said the combination of the band and fireworks makes for an "old-fashioned" July Fourth celebration.

"It’s such a family favorite and it’s our biggest event in our city," she said.

Although most onlookers head to Oak Grove Park to watch the show, Lillis said it’s not the only place to catch the fireworks.

"What I think is amazing is, you think the park is crowded … but there are so many places to watch the show," she said. "If there’s a clearing and a place to park, people are watching the show there."

THE DETAILS

- What: Gladstone’s Fourth of July event

- Where: Oak Grove Park, Northeast 76th Street and North Troost Avenue

- When: North Star Community Band starts at 8:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:50 p.m.

- What else: Northland Optimist Club will sell concessions and parking is free

- Don’t forget: Gladstone does not allow fireworks to be set off in the city limits

SHOOTING OFF FIREWORKS

Here’s a list of a few of the nearby locales in the Sun Tribune coverage area and their ordinances relating to fireworks.

Gladstone

A city ordinance in Gladstone makes the sale, purchase, use and possession of fireworks illegal for residents. In a press release, the city reminded that "fireworks does not include toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices in which paper caps containing twenty-five hundredths grain of explosive compound are used."

Those found with fireworks in their possession could receive a court summons and arrest. Fireworks will be confiscated.

The Public Safety Department also announced it would be ramping up patrol throughout the holiday weekend.

To enjoy fireworks the legal way, the city of Gladstone will be hosting a $6,000 display at 9:45 p.m. on July Fourth at Oak Grove Park, at Northeast 76th Street and North Troost Avenue. The North Star Community Band concert starts at 8:30 p.m.

North Kansas City

All types of fireworks, including sparklers and snakes are illegal to sell, possess or use in the city limits of North Kansas City. Those found with fireworks are subject to arrest and may receive a fine up to $500. Jail time is also a possibility.

Kansas City

Fireworks are prohibited in Kansas City, too, according to the Fire Prevention Code. "It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, keep, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode any fireworks in the city," according to the code.

News Editor Jeffrey M. Salem can be reached at 389-6653 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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