Newkirk fireworks show is a go

By ADAM CATLIN
NHJ Editor

Plans to bring back a Fourth of July event for Newkirk are moving forward after funding was approved last month by the Newkirk City Commission.
The event would be produced by Richard Hinthorn, who works for the Newkirk Fire Department, and held at the Newkirk Country Club. Hinthorn said he thinks the last community fireworks event was 20 years ago.
He recently spoke to the NHG about the journey he has been on the event. It started, he said, back in September of 2024 when then-City Manager Ryan Smykil asked if someone would be interested in getting certified in pyrotechnics.
Hinthorn said he began working on it without knowing what he was getting into. He first took a pyrotech class with three firework shoots and then had to pass the state test.
“Afterwards you must go through a full background check,” Hinthorn explained.
“Next is the ATF background check with a lot of paperwork and an in-person interview with locating a site to house the fireworks while not being used. With everything done, it’s time to have a 4th of July event.”
In February, he said, work started on gathering sponsors and donations. This past week, all commercial grade fireworks and equipment have been ordered and the show is a go.
Hinthorn said there will be food trucks and a snow cone bus, which will be identified in June. Other events, he said, are a kids and adults watermelon-eating competition, corn-hole competition, and face painting for the children.
Hinthorn said his group is still taking donations and asking for volunteers to help make the event come together smoothly.
Rock and Brews Casino has contributed $5,000, according to minute of the March 23 City Commission meeting. The commission voted for the city to chip in $2,500 to go directly to the fireworks supplier.
Hinthorn said he intends for the event to remain free to the public, though there was discussion about possibly charging a small fee, such as $1 per car, to begin building funds for next year.