Poll: Should July 4th Fireworks Shows Be Cancelled In Cheyenne, Laramie?

The nation celebrates it's 250th birthday in a couple of days.

That usually means fireworks, and while both Cheyenne and Laramie don't allow the private usage of fireworks, as of Thursday morning fireworks shows for Saturday were still planned in both communities.

In Cheyenne, that means the Capital City Celebration. There is one change this year, in that the fireworks show will be moved to downtown Cheyenne as part of the celebration of America's 250th Birthday. It's usually held at Frontier Park.

Likewise in Laramie, the Fire in the Sky fireworks show, a longtime Laramie tradition, is still planned according to the Laramie City Manager's office

Several Colorado communities have cancelled shows, as have some in Wyoming.

Arguments For Canceling The Shows

Not everyone is onboard with the shows. Some people don't like fireworks in general, for reasons ranging from the psychological impacts suffered by some combat veterans to the fact that family pets are sometimes terrified by the fireworks to the ever-present fire danger.

But this year the fire hazard has become more pronounced, with drought conditions prevalent across southeast Wyoming. Red Flag Fire warnings have already been posted in much of southeast Wyoming in recent days.. And while there is a chance of a few scattered showers over the next couple of days, it's not likely that we will see the kind of downpour that will seriously dampen the fire danger.

We shouldn't have to make something explode to enjoy ourselves.

Arguments For Fireworks Displays

First and foremost, these are professional shows presented and planned by people with the proper training and planning to ensure safety. That's a very different thing than teenagers who just want to blow something up, or for that matter adults who may or may not have consumed numerous adult beverages before setting off fireworks.

But beyond that, this isn't just your average July 4th. Its the 250th birthday of what many of us consider the greatest nation on earth. That's a milestone that we should be able to enjoy, albeit safety and intelligently, with a professional fireworks show.

So what do you think? Take our survey and give us your opinion!