After the unexpected misfire of a round and subsequent explosion at the 2009 Independence Day fireworks display in Tofte, there was doubt as to whether the pyrotechnics event could take place in 2010. At the January 14 town meeting, Supervisor Paul James said he may have good news for community members who enjoy fireworks at the Tofte Park each year.
James said he had learned that the town can still have a 4th of July fireworks show as long as it changes how the fireworks are conducted. First, James said, the town would have to hire a licensed pyrotechnics specialist to supervise the display. He said the State of Minnesota has a list of licensed individuals and he contacted the person closest to Tofte—Cheryl Anderson of Ely. Grinning broadly, James said, “She and her assistants, two guys, are interested.”
Better yet, said James, when he told Anderson that the township has a pretty small budget, she said she understood small towns and would work with the town to stay in its budget. She said the team normally receives a 10-15% commission, but that was negotiable. She requested a place to stay and was willing to camp out. Grinning again, James, who works at Lamb’s Resort in Schroeder, said “something could be arranged.”
The other change is that smaller rounds will have to be used. James said for each inch of shell size, 70 feet is needed. To use 3-inch rounds, the display area would have to be cordoned off for 210 feet. That would mean part of the Park Road would have to be blocked off. “That would mean increased security,” said James. “But that could be the fire department or citizen volunteers.”
Smaller rounds aren’t a problem, said James. He said pyrotechnics specialist Anderson said they could conduct a display with smaller rounds—they just use more of them. James said he had contacted Arrowhead Fireworks, a different company than the one that provided fireworks in 2009, and requested a quote for a show with smaller caliber fireworks. He said in the past the township (with assistance of Lutsen and Schroeder) has spent $2,500 – $3,000 on the display.
“So we need to decide, as a board, whether we want to have fireworks or not,” said James.
Citizens spoke up immediately. Jerry Gervais said, “We’ve been shooting them off here for 50 or 60 years.”
Jim King said, “I think it’s an important tradition. Look at all the people who return to the North Shore for that week.”
Tofte Clerk Mary Jane Huggins said, “We have a reputation for a nice show.”
The town board agreed and asked James to continue
” plans for fireworks on the 4th. Supervisor DC Olsen said, “After what happened last year, I’d like to go on the high-end. I’d like to make sure it’s good.”
“So that decides it,” said James happily. “We need to prove that Tofte is the 4th of July ‘king’ on the North Shore!”
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