For the second year in a row, the upcoming two-day Twin City Firecracker Festival will include a large fireworks show on just one of the nights.
That show should be even more spectacular than last year’s, though, because the city is spending more money on fireworks.
This year’s festival will be held from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 23, and 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, June 24, at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park along Old Hwy. A in Festus. Sponsors include the cities of Festus and Crystal City, the Festus Parks and Recreation Department, the Festus Park Board and the public works departments from both cities.
Prior to 2022, previous Firecracker Festivals had a smaller fireworks show each night.
Barb Lowry, the Festus director of recreation and tourism, said the one big fireworks blowout last year drew positive reviews from the public.
“And, after last year’s festival, some (Festus City Council) members asked if we could make it bigger still, and the council approved adding $10,000 for the fireworks display.”
Josh Whaley, the Festus parks and recreation director, said that bump raised the expenditure for the fireworks show from $20,000 to $30,000 for 2023. Should inclement weather force postponement of the fireworks show, a contingency date will be Saturday, Sept. 9, during the Twin City Days, he said.
This year’s fireworks will blast off after featured entertainer Chris Cagle finishes his musical performance at 10 p.m.
Lowry said the Firecracker Festival will offer a variety of other fun activities, like carnival rides and games, food and craft vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, a beer tent and other free live music.
“Crowds of 10,000 to 12,000 are expected,” she said.
The Trixie Delight band will perform at 7-10 p.m. June 23 at the Crites Park stage.
“They do a little bit of everything,” Lowry said. “They performed in our Sundays at Sunset concert series last fall. Chris Cagle, a national country music star, is the featured performer on Saturday. He will play from 8:30-10 p.m. Jada Vance, a Nashville performer, will be his opening act, performing from 6-8 p.m. She sings country music and was a finalist on ‘American Idol.’”
The festival on Saturday once again begins with a Kids’ Hooked on Fishing event at 8 a.m., followed by a Seniors’ Hooked on Fishing event at 10 a.m. at Al Brown Lake at the park. To register for either event, fill out the application on the Festus website, cityoffestus.org.
“It’s not a tournament,” Lowry said. “If you register for it, you’re eligible for attendance prizes.”
Crystal City Mayor Mike Osher said the event is an enjoyable one.
“We provide about 10 police and street workers to the festival,” Osher said. “Absolutely, I think a lot of our residents look forward to the festival. It’s a good time and it’s a good cooperative effort between the communities. I just look forward to it.”
Lowry stressed that no coolers or pets are allowed at the festival.
“We hope Mother Nature is very kind to us and that people come out and have a great time,” she said. “They can enjoy not only what the park offers, but what we’ve put together for the weekend.”
For more information, visit the city website or contact Lowry at 636-937-4694.