FRIDAY, June 19, 2026 |
Photo – Fireworks display in Rawlins – Bigfoot99 file photo
The vice mayor of Rawlins said he would like his city to host the largest 4th of July fireworks display in Wyoming.
During the June 16th Rawlins City Council meeting, the governing body discussed the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1st. In the budget, the city has allocated roughly $22,000 for this year’s 4th of July fireworks display. Vice Mayor Darril Garner, who is serving in place of Mayor Jacquelin Wells as she recovers from a hip injury, suggested adding more funding to the city’s Independence Day show.
Rawlins Fire Chief Allen Robinson said $22,000 amounts to approximately a 25‑minute fireworks display. He added that the fireworks allocation was set in March, meaning any changes made to the upcoming budget will not take effect until next July.
Vice Mayor Garner said he would like Rawlins to host the largest fireworks display in the state. He acknowledged that the idea was unlikely, but said it may be possible with additional funding.
Councilman Steve Sanger asked Vice Mayor Garner how much additional funding he would like to put toward next year’s 4th of July show. In response, the vice mayor asked about the duration of the state’s longest fireworks display. Fire Chief Allen Robinson said he was unsure, noting that many municipalities hire outside contractors for their shows.
In Rawlins, the city’s firefighters handle the Independence Day celebration. Chief Robinson said he would be willing to take on a larger show, but added that the current one is already taxing his crew.
Councilman Terry Patterson asked how much it would cost to double the length of the city’s current fireworks display. Fire Chief Allen Robinson replied that the fireworks supplier estimates a doubled show would require roughly twice the funding.
Chief Robinson added that the supplier does not offer a discount for buying in bulk.
Vice Mayor Garner asked if the fire department had the space to store double the usual number of fireworks. Chief Robinson said the materials are kept at the supplier until they’re ready to be used. He said the limiting factor comes from storing the tubes needed to launch the various‑sized mortars and shells.
Instead of hosting the largest fireworks show in Wyoming, Vice Mayor Garner jokingly suggested purchasing the single largest firework in the state.
The Rawlins City Council voted to authorize the Rawlins Fire Department to proceed with this year’s 4th of July fireworks show. Any changes to the city’s Independence Day spending will have to wait until next year.
