Fireworks show returns to Newkirk

By ADAM CATLIN
NHJ Editor

Newkirk will have its first community fireworks shows in 20 years. A July 4 celebration starts at 3 p.m at the Newkirk Country Club before the fireworks display beings at nightfall.
Event organizer Richard Hinthorn said there will be live music and food trucks along, with a watermelon eating and seed-spitting competition. Lou’s Seasonal Brews will also provide drinks. The day includes a cornhole event and a raffle for a Stihl weedeater sponsored by Blackwell P&K.
Hinthorn recently spoke about how the event came together.
“I’m still looking for donations to help with hotdogs and hamburgers,” he said. “All donations and support will go to next year’s event so we can have a bigger event.”
Planning started in September of 2024, Hinthorn said, when then-City Manager Ryan Smykil asked if someone would be interested in getting certified in pyrotechnics. Hinthorn said he did not realize what it would all take, but he began working on it.
Certification involved a class, background check, lot of paperwork and an in-person interview.
He also had to find a place to safely store the fireworks.
“With everything done it’s time to have a 4th of July event,” he said.