What’s even bigger than the sprawling event known as QMIX Musical Fireworks 34: Midwest Meltdown slated from 6 to 10:30 p.m. today at AirPark Columbus and Ivy Tech Community College?
People’s safety, organizers say.
So the planners for perhaps the area’s biggest single-day celebration — one that attracts thousands from as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio — are closely monitoring weather radar not just for rain, but for lightning. Rob West, operations manager for Reising Radio Partners that is over QMIX, said the festivities can continue in at least a light rain, as they have in the past, but not amid lightning.
“We certainly don’t want to put anyone in danger,” West said. “We care most about people’s safety.”
He said he hopes to make a call about a possible cancellation by noon today or shortly thereafter and broadcast it on QMIX 107.3 FM, on the radio station’s Facebook page at Columbus Regional Health presents QMIX Musical Fireworks 34 Midwest Meltdown! From Reliable Comfort, and on the website at qmix.com.
“We’d like to be able to give people time to plan,” West said.
Jason Yantiss of Premier Pyro in Waldron will be the rocketman this year at 10 p.m. Before that, food, games, wrestling and other activities will be featured at Ivy Tech at 4455 Central Ave. in Columbus.
At fireworks’ time, the saluting spray is choreographed to an approximate 20-minute pop-rock-country soundtrack assembled by “Bigg Matt” Ruland, production director for Reising Radio Partners.
