Union Fireworks Show Canceled, Rescheduling to Be Determined

Union Jaycees President Jessica Oltmann said Monday that the Union fireworks display, scheduled for this Thursday, July 5, is canceled.

“Due to the dry and hot weather that has affected our area lately and will continue to do so, the Union Jaycees have made the decision to cancel the fireworks show this year,” Oltmann said in a prepared statement.

“We realize this may be a disappointment to many, but we, along with the Union Fire Protection District, believe that this is the best decision for the safety of our community. Our hope is that all of you also take the warnings issued seriously as well. Thank you for your continued support.”

Oltmann said the recommendation came from Russ Hamilton, Union fire chief, but that the Jaycees Executive Board stands behind the recommendation.

A decision on whether to reschedule the display will come following a regularly scheduled Jaycees meeting Monday, July 16.

The Fair’s success will have a big impact on whether or not the display will be rescheduled, she said, because money from the Fair’s beer garden is used to fund the fireworks.

Other donations also are received, but the garden is the main source of funding.

The Fair begins this Thursday, July 5.

“The more people who come to the Fair, the better we’ll be,” Oltmann said.

In the past, the Union Jaycees has used a St. Louis based company, J&M Displays, to shoot the fireworks.

If rescheduled, the display is expected to cost $5,000.