Commerce City’s 4th Fest with the Colorado Rapids lays claim to be “one of Colorado’s largest professional fireworks shows,” say local officials.
One of the region’s “largest fireworks displays” will be in Brighton’s Carmichael Park, boasts Brighton leaders.
And in Thornton, people will also enjoy “one of the best fireworks shows in the metro area,” says the city.
A community’s claim to having the best Fourth of July fireworks displays is always dubious and can be debated until the last rocket has fizzled and dropped to the ground. Still, hometown pride about Westminster’s fireworks show can be backed by the audiences it always draws and undisputable facts, said Aric Otzelberger, the city’s parks, recreation and libraries director.
All the proof you need is displayed on the city’s website. “The City is known for having the best fireworks display in the north metro area, with a full 20 minutes of professionally choreographed fireworks that dazzle guests each year at City Park.”
Fire works display in Westminster
Otzelberger brushes aside the notion that Westminster is seriously flaunting the prowess of its fireworks shows and comparing them to other local municipalities.
“It’s all friendly competition, it’s all in good fun,” Otzelberger said. “But we are Bestminster for a reason.”
Much of the credit goes to city staff who help put on events prior to the 9:15 p.m. fireworks show at City Park. “We have the full package here, we have events for just about anybody to enjoy, leading up to the fireworks,” Otzelberger said.
That includes the annual Uncle Sam Splash Bash at Countryside Pool earlier in the day followed by food and drink vendors, activities for kids and plenty of live bands at City Park, Otzelberger said.
Last year, Westminster’s Fourth of July party drew over 12,000 people, according to the city.
The Westminster Fire Department monitors the $15,000 fireworks eruption, which will once again be handled by Zambelli Fireworks, which started over 130 years ago in Italy and is now based in Pennsylvania.
“To maintain our consistency, we have worked with the same vendor since 2021,” Otzelberger said. “Zambelli does a wonderful job with its production, and we have been able to draw some great sponsors. And with Zambelli, our special events team has always come up with something new each year.”
“Our grand finale is always at a different level,” he added.
A Zambelli Fireworks production “is a complete sensory experience unlike anything else,” the company says on its website. Its displays include a variety of shells and high-intensity multi-shot devices that awe and inspire, the company states.
Besides Westminster, Zambelli puts on several shows across the country, including Thunder Over Louisville, which kicks off the Kentucky Derby, and the Ford Fireworks show in Detroit, according to the company.
Zambelli Fireworks’ “Cosmic Connections” production led to it being crowned Festival Grand Champion at the 2024 GlobalFest International Fireworks Competition in Calgary, Alberta.
“They are known for their creativity, and we happy we have them for our show in Westminster,” Otzelberger said.