Published: July 10, 2008 10:39 am         

Red, White & Boom!

London sky explodes on Fourth of July

Despite looming clouds and threats of thunderstorms, Red, White and Boom went off without a hitch Friday. Organizer Sharon Benge estimated about 3,500 people made their way to College Park to enjoy the festivities and see the fireworks.

“It went wonderful,” Benge said. “It was really amazing, really surprising because of the weather.”

She explained at one point in the evening there were severe thunderstorm warnings in every surrounding county.

Only Laurel escaped the threat.

“It was like the good Lord had a number over us,” she laughed.

This year, organizers added the band Body & Soul to the mix, a eight-member group that covers songs from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The group was apparently a big hit.

“We are going to try to have them back next year,” Benge said.

Apart from the live music, the festival featured inflatables, games, food booths and a display from the United States Marine Corps. The fireworks lasted about 25 minutes.

“They always try to change them up,” Benge said of the fireworks display. “This year they were more low over the lake. People outside the College Park couldn’t see them. But they’re really pretty because they reflect over the water.”

Organizers learned there would be funding for the event in early June, after the city agreed to pay for it. Last year, a private donor had to step in to foot the bill.

But Benge said funding won’t be an issue next year.

“The mayor has already committed to financing it,” she said, explaining the bill comes to about $15,000.

Benge added with funding in place, organizers will have more time to plan.

Already, a few ideas are in the works. Namely, Benge plans to bring back the Kentucky National Guard, whose members rappel from a Black Hawk helicopter. She hopes hot air balloons rides will be able to be offered next year. This year, the questionable weather prevented that from happening.

Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.