For decades, the Fourth of July fireworks show for the region was always held at Lake DeWeese Reservoir. The yearly spectacular was hosted by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire District and also served as a fundraiser. The setting was superb as the fireworks sparkled, snapped, and boomed over the lake, with the outline of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains still visible in the twilight.
However, the problems with the location mounted over the years. Fire, drought, canceled shows, insurance costs, and the struggle to get people trained for the event. In addition, the human impact on the land around the lake was becoming more visible with each passing year. Thousands of cars, trucks, and campers spread out in a disorganized jumble on the hills surrounding the water. The ruts, trash, and the constant danger of grassfire from hot mufflers or illegal fireworks grew. A few different nonprofits attempted to sustain the fireworks show over the last eight years, but eventually, it was quietly acknowledged that the struggles were insurmountable. Plus, the Division of Parks and Wildlife that manages the lake was probably not unhappy to see the end of the yearly vehicular assault on the surrounding land. Additionally, the fireworks show was the source of the only annual traffic jam in the county, as people rushed to leave by the two main roads to the lake once the grand finale had concluded.
Yet the majority of the local population still shares the desire to celebrate the anniversary of the nationâs independence. So, three men, along with many business donors, worked two years ago to get trained and bring the fireworks show into the town. Dubbing themselves The Mortar Men, they started a nonprofit. Comprising local business owners Brian Clince, Josh Martin, and Steven Rorick, The Mortar Men decided to take the risk to fill a vacant hole in the regionâs patriotic fervor.
The first year was a fun yet simple show near the water towers north of Silver Cliff. With the first success under their belts, they expanded insurance and training to be able to hold a bigger and better show in the vacant field that sits to the south of the Silver Dome Saloon and Music Hall in 2024.
The new town location provides the added benefit of supporting local businesses in a way that had not happened with the lake venue. In the past, after the parade had concluded along Main Street, the businesses were almost completely deserted. Now, with the show inside the city limits, the uptick in business along Main Street has been noticeable as people enjoy conversing over food, beverages, or ice cream while waiting for the show to begin.
Now, with the Fourth fast approaching, The Mortar Men are making their preparations for the show once again on the water tower hill. However, the prices for the free show have continued to increase. The tariffs have increased the cost of fireworks, and insurance continues to rise year after year. The Mortar Men is a nonprofit organization, and they are asking the public and local businesses to contribute over the next few weeks to help fill the remaining budget gap of $4,000.
The easiest way to help is by clicking here on the following GoFundMe link and making a donation. Additionally, donations can be dropped off at the Westcliffe Branch of Kirkpatrick Bank.
Support The Mortar Men by donating and sharing this story so others can donate as well. In addition, you can follow the groupâs progress by liking them on Facebook.
-Jordan Hedberg
