Three nights, three fireworks shows, and grand total of $50,000

Aarik Long, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·4 min read

Jun. 25—The battle for who can put on the best Fourth of July fireworks display in Haywood County is on with work being done behind the scenes to put together displays worthy of awes.

However, don't worry about missing out on a day of fireworks. There will be three straight days of colorful explosions lighting up the sky.

In total, the three events in Maggie Valley, Canton and at Lake Junaluska will cost $55,000 for the firework spectaculars.

The first of three fireworks begins at Lake Junaluska with a display on July 3. Previously, the community's event had taken place on July 4, but the former pyrotechnic who did the display retired causing the shift of dates as Lake Junaluska Assembly officials looked for a new professional.

"Finding companies that can provide fireworks on the Fourth of July has proven to be difficult," said Lake Junaluska Executive Director Ken Howle. "But we are thankful we have found a company to provide fireworks on July 3rd, which creates the annual trifecta of three consecutive nights of fireworks in Haywood County."

The total cost of the fireworks at the lake comes out to $25,000. The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) helps soften the blow with a $7,500 grant.

"We have to book a company almost a year in advance to be able to host a fireworks show as part of our Independence Day Celebration, and we are grateful for support from the Haywood County TDA to help make it possible," Howle said.

Lake Junaluska uses JECO Pyrotechnics based out of Newland, N.C. JECO is "an independent, creative outdoor fireworks display company," according to its website.

The display will be set up on the bridge over the dam, meaning that bridge has to be closed to the public.

"Our goal is to create cherished memories that last a lifetime in a safe and enjoyable setting," Howle said.

Maggie Valley

Down the road in Maggie Valley, the fireworks will take place on the Fourth of July. The town uses Zambelli Fireworks for their display. Town Manager Vickie Best said its the same company the town has used for years.

Zambelli is one of the biggest fireworks companies in the world, with the website calling them the "first family of fireworks."

They've been in business for over 100 years, put on more than 1,600 displays a year and are based in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Valley pays $18,000 for its display with half of that money coming from a grant provided through the TDA.

Best said that Maggie Valley has a card up their sleeves in terms of the fireworks show.

"We have an advantage here in Maggie Valley that others don't have," Best explained. "We shoot them off of the hill behind the Festival Grounds on a private property. They go over the Festival Grounds. We can get more shells for the price because it is higher up we can get smaller shells."

This gives Maggie Valley a sort of a leg up with its nearly half hour display on Independence Day.

The event helps local businesses with the influx of visitors to Maggie Valley. Additionally, a concession booth will be set up by the police association selling barbecue with the proceeds supporting the police association.

"We do it for our visitors and our residents," Best said. "I know a lot of our residents that live on the mountainsides or near the festival grounds have Fourth of July parties and invite people over."

Canton

The final set of fireworks takes place on July 5 with Canton's Fourth of July Plus One event.

The choice to celebrate on the fifth of July rather than the fourth started out because of the difficulty in finding a company for the actual holiday. It also allows for even better turnout, as the town is not having to compete with the two other displays in town.

Canton Assistant Town Manager Lisa Stinnett said the town uses Zambelli Fireworks, as well. The group is already in the area for Maggie's event, so it adds a level of convenience to have them take the short trip to Canton for the following day's event.

The event is sponsored by Champion Credit Union, which will be paying $12,000 for the fireworks display. Champion Credit Union has been sponsoring the fireworks display for years now. The Town of Canton does not use any money from their budget or from the TDA for the fireworks, Stinnett said.

The fireworks display itself will start at dark and last roughly 15 minutes, but the festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food trucks, inflatables and activities for all ages.