City of Sidney Celebrating July 4 on Saturday

With the Fourth of July holiday on Sunday, the City of Sidney is hosting the community fireworks program Saturday, July 3, at Deer Run Park adjacent to the Western Nebraska Community College campus.

The show is expected to begin at dusk. In case of inclement weather, the show will be rescheduled for Sunday evening.

While celebrating Independence Day, the Fourth of July, be aware of limits on when fireworks can be used.

Legal Fireworks

The City of Sidney recently released a bulletin announcing an amended rule that defines when fireworks can be shot off. The times are as follows: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 25-July 3, and 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. July 5. Violating the ordinance could result in a citation of up to $200 fine.

The following items are approved by the Nebraska Fire Marshal to be sold without a permit: Auto Jokers/Foolers, Bang Matches, Blaster Balls, Booby Tramps/Pulling Fireworks, Cap Guns and Caps, Champagne Party Poppers, Cigarette Loads, Magnum Pistol Popper, Snappers (Novelty-type only), Sparkle Matches, Smoke Items (all balls, cartridges or other devices designed to produce smoke of one or more colors), Snakes and Charmers; Wire or Wooden Sparklers (gold or silver) and Christmas Party Popper.

Residents of Nebraska can legally own and ignite bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, sparklers, smoke and punk, fountains, missiles, novelties, crack and strobe, parachutes, wheels and spinners, aerial spinners, display shells and aerial items.

The State specifically prohibits rockets, unapproved wire sparklers, nighttime parachutes, firecrackers with more than 50 mg of explosive composition, and other fireworks deemed unsafe by the State Fire Marshal.

City Offices Closed July 5

The City of Sidney will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. All City Departments will be closed, and the City Transportation Bus will not be running. Monday's trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday's trash will be picked up on Wednesday. In addition, the Landfill and the Library will also be closed on Saturday, July 3.