The Skyline Kiwanis Club of Longmont is gearing up for another amazing fireworks show accompanied by a local music legend and help from a local sponsor.
The Kiwanis took over the fireworks show in Longmont in 2009 when the event was eliminated from the city of Longmont’s budget. Up until 2020 — when the show was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions — the event took place at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.
In 2021, the Kiwanis teamed up with Fox Hill Club and moved the Independence Day show to a more elevated location within the city.
“The Fox Hill Club, their staff, leadership and owners eagerly embraced the opportunity to partner with Skyline Kiwanis to keep our Independence Day tradition alive,” said Kyle Snyder, spokesperson for the event.
A crowd of more than 4,500 people gathered on the Fox Hill Club driving range to enjoy music and community before the 2021 show. Countless others gathered throughout the city and watched from afar. The change in venue has allowed more people to be able to see the show all over the city.
Even with the partnership between Fox Hill Club and the Kiwanis, the show still costs $60,000. This year, the Kiwanis are the beneficiaries of a $13,000 donation that came from Wyatt’s Wet Goods’ Rare Whisky Auction. The auction brought in a total of $53,500 that was divided among the Kiwanis Club, Veterans Community Project, PEARL Promise and Loveland Veterans Plaza, according to Wyatt’s website.
According to a news release, the Kiwanis Club is seeking out additional sponsors to help with the costs.
“The Fox Hill Club is proud of what the Skyline Kiwanis have done for the people of Longmont to celebrate the 4th of July. Without them, there would be no show. We hope the word continues to spread that all are welcome to this free show at Fox Hill to enjoy food trucks, an amazing local band and the best fireworks show all from the grassy comfort of our driving range,” said Vicky Tardif, food and beverage manager at Fox Hill Club.
Those interested in helping can contact the Kiwanis here.
The Kiwanis has also invited local music legend Mark Trippensee and his band The Long Run to this year's show.
The Long Run is a Colorado tribute band to the Eagles. The band was started in 2009 “out of his (Trippensee’s) love of the Eagles,” according to the band’s website. Trippensee has been a musician along the Front Range for more than 25 years and has shared the stage with bands such as Three Days Grace, REO Speedwagon, Living Colour and many more.
“Typically, a well-known band like The Long Run, doesn’t play on July 4th due to the logistical gymnastics needed to pull off a concert around a fireworks show. This year, Mark Trippensee, drummer, singer and owner of the band couldn’t resist the chance to perform at such a prestigious event in his home town. His band-mates agreed this was the perfect venue and event to play a 4th of July show,” a news release from the Kiwanis Club states.
“We are proud to partner with Wyatt’s Wet Goods to bring another amazing fireworks show to Longmont. We cannot be more excited to host this event at the Fox Hill Club. And to have The Long Run play is icing on the cake. We expect this to be the best fireworks show yet,” Snyder said.
The fireworks show will take place on July 4. The gates will open at 4 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. and the fireworks starting at dusk.
