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New Year's fireworks dedicated to local girl
BY MIEKE MADRID, HERALD REPORTER
EVANSTON – The traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display, hosted by Porter’s Fireworks, has more than a few added surprises this year. It will also have added meaning, as the show will be dedicated to Alecia Hall’s Make Your Mark Foundation. The foundation created last year by local middle school student Hall and her mother, Jan Louder, focuses on community involvement, charity, tolerance and kindness. Sadly, Hall lost her battle against cancer this spring, but her legacy of generosity continues, and Porter’s is proud to be a part of it.
“It’s a pretty huge show,” said Porter’s Fireworks co-owner John Porter. “We got a little carried away this year and we’ve tied the themes to the Make Your Mark Foundation.”
Typically, the New Year’s fireworks display has consisted of four flatbed trailers packed with festive explosives. However, this year Porter’s has increased the trailer amount to six, including one, which will hold 8-inch guns which can reach an altitude of 500 feet. In addition, Porter’s “has a few surprises” planned, such as specially selected music that compliments the evening’s theme of making a difference within and for the community. More specifically, the performance is 18 minutes long with between 4,000 and 5,000 shots taking place and 188 ignition points. The finale, which will be in memory of Hall, will feature nearly 1,300 aerial shots in 60 seconds, and will last a record six and a half minutes.
“This is without a doubt the most complicated and elaborate show we’ve ever done,” said Porter enthusiastically.
In fact, the entire staff at Porter’s Fireworks and Porter’s co-owner and brother, Jerry, have been meticulously creating and organizing the program since September. The final script for the display alone ended up being seven pages in length. Furthermore, the business is making its mark by generously donating many of the fireworks that will be used in the presentation. Yet, Porter and the staff feel strongly about the foundation and its profound message of charity.
“A lot of people making little marks can make a big difference and go a long way,” said Porter. “This is an emotionally charged show and it has a really good message.”
Not only does the message of the show promise to inspire, but the fireworks display itself promises to, as well. To get the best view of this unique and illuminating performance, Porter suggests coming directly to Depot Square where the fireworks actually take flight.
“It’s like a rock concert and the best part is seeing the looks on people’s faces,” said Porter, who’s been involved with fireworks industry since the age of 10. “You can’t put a price on that.”
The New Year’s Eve fireworks show begins at midnight on December 31, following a parade from the Machine Shop at 11:30 p.m. lead by Mayor Mark Harris. Family-oriented festivities begin at the Machine Shop at 7 p.m. and are hosted by Youth Opportunities Unlimited!, Evanston Child Development Center, Uinta County 4-H and the City of Evanston.