Fourth of July 1998 in West Yellowstone

Celebrate America West Yellowstone 1998

Questions about the 4th of July Festivities in West Yellowstone:

Q.  Why are there no fireworks this year?

A.  It is against the law to set off fireworks anywhere in any U.S. National Forest.  Special use permits were not obtainable this year.

Q.  Why not have it on private property?

A.  Private property is not available close enough to town.  A 900 foot clear zone is required to set off any fireworks in Montana.

Q.  What are we doing this year to celebrate?

A.  A laser light show should come close to a fireworks display.   The laser light show will be presented by Laser Fantasy International of Redmond, Washington.  Set to popular music the show promises to be spectacular.

Q.  When does the laser show start?

A.  July 4th as soon after 10 PM when darkness sets in.

Q.  Where is the laser show?

A.  West Yellowstone city park.  Surrounded by Gibbon, Dunraven, Firehole and Canyon.

Q.  What will be going on before?

A.  At 7:30 PM there will be a battle of the bands in the city park.

Q.  What about the traditional parade?

A. It will happen about 9 PM the floats and other displays are encouraged to display lights.  The parade route will be beginning in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot to Gibbon and back by Dunraven.

Q.  What is a light parade?

A. It is like any other parade except lights are used for decoration and color along with other materials.  The time of day allows it to be effective either way.

Q.  Who can enter the parade?

A.  Anyone who is willing to celebrate and participate with a patriotic attitude.

Q.  Do we have to have lights?

A.  No, but let your imagination go to work.  Lets have fun!

Q.  What else will be going on?

A.  Lots, music, food, clowns, bears, games etc. Please come forward and participate as a spectator or a participant.  Numbers are very important.

Q.  How bright will the light show be?

A.  Very.  Beams will be visible for 60 miles.

Q.  What about airplanes?

A.  The FAA will restrict air traffic over the area.

Q.  What will be showing during the light show?

A.  Animated images set to music on a 40x40 foot screen elevated by a crane and laser beams flashing in the sky.

Q.  Where will the screen be?

A.  On Dunraven street between the Executive and One Horse Motels, facing north west.  Best viewing areas will be on the Canyon - Gibbon baseball diamond looking west.

Q.  What about traffic?

A.  Traffic will be re-routed away from the city square for freedom of crowd movement.

Q.  From where will we be able to hear the program?

A.  A 6000 watt amplification system will be in operation which should be audible from two blocks away.

Q.  Who is paying for this?

A.  The city of West Yellowstone paid $4,000.00 The $9,000.00 balance is being donated by sponsors in West Yellowstone.  The participating sponsors will be recognized in a later publication.