Haist putting together annual fireworks show

Dan Haist and his Dano's Fireworks are putting together the annual Concordia fireworks show, and he needs your help.
"I just felt that it was something the town should have," Haist said. "The community has always supported the fireworks display, and I wanted to help."
For the past 10 years, the American Legion Post 76 has sponsored the event, but they announced last year that 2019 would be their final year.
"Tom Gennette got hold of me," Haist said, "and asked if I could step in and run the show."
Gennette, co-owner of Easy G Sports Grill, sponsors an annual golf tournament in which proceeds are donated to the fireworks display.
The Haist family has been in the fireworks business, both retail and wholesale, for 47 years, so Dan Haist knew that putting together the annual event would be a big undertaking. "There's a lot of work that goes into this," he said. "But in the end it'll all be worth it, because the town can still have its show."
This year's pyrotechnic display will be different from previous years. "This year we're using Class C fireworks," Haist said. "They don't go as high, but they last longer. Each display will last between 15-to-30 seconds."
The fireworks show costs $5000, and Haist is only about halfway toward reaching his fundraising goal. Easy G donated a significant amount from their charity golf tournament, and the city has pledged some funds and will donate manpower for the show. This year the Concordia Fire Department will be launching the fireworks.
"We've raised about $2500 so far, so we could really use some help," Haist said. "I don't care if it's $5 or $10, every little bit helps."
Haist is offering a bonus for anyone who donates $250: a pass that allows front-row seating - for a carload of people - to the show. This year the show will be moved to an area near the Concordia Trap Club.
"If they want, people can also donate that pass to the nursing homes, who are going to bring vans with residents to the show," Haist said.
The show will be held on July 3rd. Donations can be dropped off at the Concordia Chamber of Commerce office on Washington Street, or at the Alliance Insurance office at 1409 Lincoln Street.
Please make your check payable to the Concordia Fireworks Display.