Fireworks back in Hillsboro this year

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Fireworks will be returning to Hillsboro for the Fourth of July weekend this year thanks to some local businesses and the city of Hillsboro, although additional funding is being encouraged from people or businesses who would like to become involved.

Scott Lewis of Lewis Financial Group told Hillsboro Rotarians on Tuesday that a handful of local business owners recently discussed their desire to see a fireworks show return to the city. So Lewis Financial Group, Jerry Haag Motors, Barrera’s Garage, Best One Tire, First State Bank and Christopher Lewis CPA chipped in, with Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings pledging $5,000 from the city.

The well-known Rozzi Fireworks company will provide the display, which costs roughly $10,000 and which will be held at the Highland County Fairgrounds at dusk on Sunday, July 3.

Lewis said the fair board agreed to allow the fireworks display to be held at the truck pull track, which provides for hillside seating. He said part of the funds raised for the event will also pay for security provided by off-duty police officers, as well as liability insurance. The fireworks display is free to the public. Lewis said any funds raised in excess of the costs of this year’s event will be put aside for 2017.

While the fairgrounds are technically not within the city limits, Hastings said Monday that the city will be involved because the display is primarily for the city. Lewis said the event is scheduled for Sunday in part so it won’t interfere with the Festival of the Bells, which runs June 30-July 2 in Hillsboro.

In years past, annual fireworks were held at the old Hillsboro High School football field, and then a couple of years at Liberty Park. But the tradition fell by the wayside, and Lewis and others would like to see it return on a yearly basis. While it’s being held this year at the fairgrounds, Lewis said he hoped it might return to the old high school grounds in future years.

Individuals or businesses that would like to become involved in this year’s event or future displays can contact Lewis at 937-393-4227.

Reach Gary Abernathy at 937-393-3456 or on Twitter @abernathygary.

Fireworks will return to Hillsboro on Sunday, July 3, thanks to some local businesses and the city.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2016/06/web1_fireworks-file-1.jpgFireworks will return to Hillsboro on Sunday, July 3, thanks to some local businesses and the city.
Businesses, city team up to return tradition

By Gary Abernathy

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