GOSHEN COUNTY – Barbecues, beer and fireworks are three of the most prominent things that come to mind when most people think of the Fourth of July. No matter how folks like to celebrate Independence Day it is a great time to come together and celebrate our freedom. 

“Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption,” according to www.history.com’s “Fourth of July – Independence Day” page. “Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war.”

“After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity,” the page continued.

In Goshen County, there will be several events to choose from to celebrate the holiday that everyone in the community can enjoy.

The LaGrange Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its “Ice Cream Social & Fireworks” event on Monday, July 3 starting at 6 p.m. The ice cream social will be at the LaGrange Community Building. The firework show will start after dark.

The Fort Laramie National Historic Site will be hosting its “Frontier Fourth of July Celebration” on Tuesday, July 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is free.

During the event, there will be military cannon firing, historic games for kids, concerts and different demonstrations. The concerts will be by The Merchant Family and Hank Cramer. The demonstrations will be by the Trotters Equestrian Drill Team and Pony Express. There will also be a junior soldier drill, recommended for ages 7 to 12.

Throughout the day, visitors can stop in at the Soldiers’ Bar, enjoy any of the Living History Stations or have a picnic at the site. It is a fun day for all ages. 

Also, on July 4 in Fort Laramie, the Fort Laramie Fire Department will be hosting its annual barbeque and fireworks show at the south park. The barbeque is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and the firework show will begin at dusk. This is a free-will donation event.

The city of Torrington will not be holding a firework show again this year. 

As most locals are aware, right before the Fourth of July in 2020 a firework was accidentally discharged while it was being loaded by the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) in preparation for the TVFD annual Fourth of July celebration. This firework caused an explosion that injured one firefighter and caused heavy damage to the TVFD’s lower station at Pioneer Park.

After the accident, it was decided for safety reasons the TVFD would no longer do the city’s fireworks display. 

Last year for an article titled “Wildfire agencies prepare for summer fire season,” former Mayor Randy Adams told the Telegram that while they would like to bring back the Fourth of July celebrations, they had been unable to find a fireworks provider that suits the city’s budget. 

“We were able to afford the $8,000 in the past because our Torrington Volunteer Firemen were able to manage the fireworks display,” Adams had explained. “However, the lowest we’ve been able to find so far runs about $20,000 a year for a five-year guarantee – and we just cannot commit $100,000 to this.”

Following the last city council meeting on June 20, Torrington Mayor Herb Doby and Councilman Richard Patterson told the Telegram that unfortunately, this year the situation has not changed. 

Those in Torrington can always watch residential fireworks or go to one of the other shows close by. 

No matter if individuals are planning on enjoying community events, family events, shooting off fireworks or watching fireworks, it is important that everyone uses common sense, drink responsibly and just remember safety first.

Before shooting off fireworks in an area, it is also important to check city ordinances and county fire restrictions to avoid hefty fines. For example, fireworks are completely prohibited inside the city limits of Torrington.

As of Wednesday, Goshen County Fire Warden Bill Law said there is currently no fire ban in the county and the fire danger is considered low to moderate. This is a direct result of the wet and mild season this year. Even though the grass is taller than normal because of the extra moisture, it has yet to dry out like it often does by this time of year. 

“There is certainly sheet grass and other material that could burn, but I’ve never seen, in recent history, a more gentle and less volatile scenario than we have this year,” Law said. “The sheet grass heads are drying out and could burn but I think that the risk is low to moderate at this time.”

“We encourage people to use common sense of course and safety,” he continued. “Don’t light things off around buildings that might be a problem for firefighters to get into.”

However, Law said that does not mean fires are impossible. There are several areas around the county that have higher fire risk because of potential fuel sources. It is extremely important that everyone seriously consider any possible hazards. It is also a great idea to have a water source at the ready in case of an accident.

The county would encourage residents to consider other options, like watching official fireworks shows if they do not have a safe area to shoot fireworks themselves. 

“I think just using good judgment before setting them off and being careful around kids and pets is important,” Law continued. “And always remember that if you get into trouble call for the fire service.”

The Fourth of July is a great and special holiday. Be safe and be smart so everyone can experience the same level of joy and fun from the holiday.