Jaycees fireworks display set for Independence Day

The Havre Jaycees will once again hold their Fourth of July Fireworks display at the Great Northern Fairgrounds starting on the holiday around 9:45 p.m.

Havre Jaycees Individual Development Vice President Draven Roe said this year’s display may include some new fireworks, but it probably won’t be radically different from previous years.

The event is free, but no parking will be allowed on the fairgrounds and Roe said the earlier people show up, the better if they want to get good spots.

He also said there is little chance of the event being canceled even with inclement weather, as they can hold the display in most conditions.

“Nothing short of a tornado or a hailstorm … or torrential downpour (will cancel the display),” he said.

Roe said the Jaycees firework booth is also open on the fairgrounds and the proceeds will go primarily toward next year’s display and all the non-profit work the Jaycees do over the next year.

With the selling of fireworks in the community, local law enforcement is reminding residents of the city and county that there are restrictions on how, where and when fireworks can be used.

Hill County Undersheriff Stan Martin said people looking to set fireworks off on private land must get the permission of the land owner and cannot use them after midnight July 4.

Martin also said the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is asking people not to use fireworks on their land, including Fresno Dam, and anyone improperly using these pyrotechnics can be charged with disorderly conduct.

As for the City of Havre, Police Capt. Aaron Wittmer said people are allowed to use fireworks from 8 a.m. to midnight between July 2 and July 4, and only on their private property, not on public property or public spaces like roads or parks.

Wittmer also said people are required to clean up debris and will be held liable for any damage their fireworks cause, including any fires that are started.

He said the police department can issue citations to people violating these rules and can charge significant violations under disorderly conduct.