Despite cancellation, Red, White and Boom a hit: Committee punked by deadbeat fireworks company calls in reinforcements for great show

Mt. Vernon’s Fourth of July celebration Red, White and Boom! shined bigger than ever this year as turnout soared above expectations despite setbacks in the pyrotechnics department and incredible heat.

According to Dora Richmond, chair of the Red, White and Boom committee, turnout was at record highs, with an estimated range of 6,000-8,000 folks watching the fireworks on July 3.

Per Richmond, the event’s go-to for fireworks, A.M. Pyrotechnics, backed out at the last moment due to recent bankruptcy filings, leaving the committee without a boom to go with their red and white. Mt. Vernon City administrator Robert Harrington had a backup plan, however.

Harrington got in contact with a pyrotechnics company from Fort Scott, Kan., which agreed to undertake Red, White and Boom’s firework show with little advance notice.

Despite the hiccup, Red, White and Boom went on unimpeded and was a great success, said Richmond.

Attendance was sparse in the afternoon said Richmond, but once things cooled down in the evening, a record crowd showed up to celebrate Independence Day. Attendees were treated to live music for the first time since the pandemic, touting three separate acts across the afternoon and evening.

A softball tournament, sponsored by Mid-Missouri Bank, was played at Spirit of ’76 Park at 2 p.m., right before the other festivities began as the Squint Squad took on, and defeated, the Bunt Munchers.

For next year, Richmond said there may be some adjustments to concession stand locations and other stands, but all-in-all, it was a good night.

“I think it went great,” said Richmond.