Mike Wolanin | The Republic Fireworks explode in the night sky during QMIX Musical Fireworks in Columbus, Ind., Friday, July 1, 2022.
The organizers of the biggest Fourth of July celebration in town set for tonight are saying c’mon baby, light my fire(works).
The free Columbus Regional Health Presents: QMIX Musical Fireworks 34: Midwest Meltdown is on, despite an earlier forecast that showed the possibility of thunderstorms moving into the area at about 8:30 and 10 p.m. today.
The event is set from 6 to 10:30 p.m., with the fireworks show to be at 10 p.m. at Airpark Columbus and a range of festivities at Ivy Tech Community College at 4475 Central Ave. in Columbus.
“We are a full go,” said Rob West, operations manager of Reising Radio Partners that QMIX Radio is a part of. “We are setting up and will be ready for tonight.”
Organizers said yesterday that were obviously most concerned about lightning more than rain, since the fireworks have been set off in a light rain in the past.
Jason Yantiss of Premier Pyro in Waldron will be the rocketman this year with the soundtrack broadcast on QMIX 107.3 FM Radio. Before that, food, games, wrestling and other activities such as children’s bounce houses will be featured at Ivy Tech Community College at 4455 Central Ave. in Columbus and wrestling across the street.
At fireworks’ time, the fireworks are choreographed to an approximate 20-minute pop-rock-country soundtrack assembled by “Bigg Matt” Ruland, production director for Reising Radio Partners.
The gathering that attracts thousands at the site and also at various streets and roads around the area is perhaps the largest single-day event in Bartholomew County. People bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, horseshoe sets, cornhole games and more.
Information: Facebook page for Columbus Regional Health Presents: QMIX Musical Fireworks 34: Midwest Meltdown From Reliable Comfort.
