Channahon Fireworks Set Off by Professionals

Despite cutbacks by other municipalities, Channahon's fireworks display will go on July 4 in as it has for more than 25 years.

"It's just an important community event; it brings everyone down to the park," said Nicole Headley, Channahon Park District's program supervisor.

This year Matt Krzyzowski, sales rep and lead pyrotechnician for Ace Pyro, will be in charge of the display.

"When I plan this display, I include all aerial shells," he said.

That's because the tree cover in Community Park is very high from the ground and a ground effect likely would not be seen. And even though Krzyzowski is in charge of the event, he will not be the one setting it off. That honor will go to one lucky person.

For the first time this year, a contest called ''Right to Light'' will be going on. The Channahon Park District will sell raffle tickets and the winner will get to push the plunger that will set off the display.

With safety in mind, the plunger is 390 feet away from the fireworks -- far more than the required 210 feet.

"Were selling the tickets to help fund all of the free special events that we have," Headley said.

The next free event is touch-a-truck, which is set from 9:30 a.m. to noon, July 29 at the parking lot of Skateland Recreation Center and Channahon Lanes. From 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., the event will have quiet time - no horns allowed.

The Fourth of July celebration in Community Park starts at 6 p.m., with the fireworks display set to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Here are the fireworks facts by the numbers:

3 to 4 - Number of people needed to set up the Channahon show.

915 - Time in p.m. that the fireworks should begin at Community Park.

1,027 - Number of shells that will be set off in Channahon's display.

8,000 - Cost in dollars to put on the show.

10,000 to 15,000 - Display cost in municipalities closer to Chicago.

930 - Time in p.m. that the Morris show will take place Sunday.

20 - Number of minutes the fireworks display should last.