Heinle continues annual fireworks tradition

For 13 years, Lakeside business owner Rudy Heinle has endeavored to make Lakeside a destination spot for boaters on Flathead Lake who want to celebrate the Fourth of July by watching fireworks over the water.

In recent years, Heile has even hired a professional pyro-technician to arrange and conduct the display - a detail that has added to the cost of the show. Although the show has not been without its snags, Heinle said he is committed to making the show as professional as he can with the money he has to work with and improving it each year where possible.

That means that donations, as always, are needed. In fact, with the current economic stress and an abundance of worthwhile fundraisers seeking donations, Heinle said the fireworks fund stands in need of some stimulus.

"The show is completely funded by the local people and local businesses," Heinle said.

Heinle noted that hundreds of boats head out onto Flathead Lake on the Fourth to get a better view of the fireworks and watch their reflection in the water. More than two hundred boats surround Lakeside Bay alone in most years.

If everyone who watched the fireworks were to donate a little - whether it be couple of dollars or a more generous amount - that money would go a long way toward delivering the kind of show that everyone want to see, Heinle said.

Though he the fireworks at cost, since he also owns the local fireworks stand, Rocket Rudy's, Heinle said a show costs a minimum of $7,000, just to give spectators 15 or 16 minutes worth of fireworks.

Michael Martin of the Alpine Fireworks Arts Guild will once again serve as Lakeside's official pyro-technician-his third year to do so. Martin will conduct the display using the latest computer and software equipment to produce themed displays, which will be synchronized with music broadcast over Kalispell's Monster Radio, on 103.9 FM.

"It should actually be a little bigger than last year's show, according to what Alpine Fireworks has told me," Heinle said, "and they've got it down a little better as far as timing with radio station."

The show is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m., since the sky is not completely dark until then. Parking will be available at the usual locations: Lakeside Elementary School and the Lakeside Post Office, as well as off of the highway.

Those who wish to donate to the fireworks fund, helping to offset the growing expense and ensure that there will be other shows like it in years to come, should send their contributions to Lakeside Fireworks, P.O. Box 399 Lakeside, MT 59922 or drop them off at the Spinnaker in downtown Lakeside. Contributions should be designated to "Lakeside Fireworks."

"We always appreciate whatever help we can get," Heinle said.