The volunteers who illuminate a fireworks extravaganza

article and photos by Hope Salyer

 An explosion echoes through downtown Stockbridge, lighting up the sky. Children run around Veterans Memorial Park, laughing and screaming as their parents draw their eyes toward the glowing sky. Another annual fireworks show has begun.

Drawn to the colorful display, residents from Stockbridge and the surrounding areas gather in various locations around town to partake in the celebration. Behind the scenes, seven local men are at the Shell station, running the show.

Jack Marshall has participated in the local A Day in the Village and Fourth of July fireworks shows for more

The firework launch team. Pictured Left to Right: Brad Hoffman, Jack Marshall, Josh McAlister, Brandon Eggers, David Tracy, John Salyer II and Tanner Barnes. Photo credit Hope Salyer

than 40 years. For the past five years, with the exception of the canceled 2020 fireworks season, Brandon Eggers, Marshall, Josh McAlister, John Salyer II, Jason Patrick and David Tracey have been launching the fireworks for Stockbridge and Gregory. Two newcomers, Brad Hoffman and Tanner Barnes joined the team, having just completed their required training classes.

According to Marshall, previous launchers for the fireworks shows have included, but are not limited to, Darwin Snyder, Richard Mullins, Warren Richmond, Matt Heines, Aaron Gerisch, Megan Gerisch, Nicole Patrick and Sarah Caskey.

Everyone who launches the fireworks is required to attend a training class, provided through Night Magic, prior to the event. Night Magic, who is also in charge of the Lansing Lugnuts fireworks displays, as well as many other large shows, supplies the fireworks for both the A Day in the Village and the Fourth of July shows.

During a meeting prior to the start of the show, Marshall stressed the importance of safety to the group.
 

“My favorite part of the show is when it’s all over, and everyone is safe,” Marshall said.

He explained that the group has not had any major safety issues, but the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority Fire Department and Ambulance are always on standby in case something were to happen.

 Marshall reminded the group that anyone who changes his or her mind before or during the show is able to walk away at any point.

“If you don’t like it, leave,” Marshall said. “Tell your partner, and then get out. There is no judgment for anyone who finds out this isn’t for them.”

Launcher Brandon Eggers reiterated Marshall’s statement, stressing the importance of watching out for everyone in the group to make sure nothing goes awry. Eggers said the camaraderie with the group is one of the reasons he continues to participate in the show each year. 

John Salyer II, who is in charge of the grand finale for the shows, said the stress of making sure all of the wiring is correct and there are no mishaps is worth it when he sees the joy on a child’s face while watching the show.

“I participate as a way to give back to the community that I love and call home,” Salyer said. With a laugh, he added, “There’s also that little bonus of blowing things up that’s really cool, too.”

Josh McAlister agreed that he launches every year because of the children. “We do this to help out the community,” McAlister said. “It’s for the kids and a way for us to put a smile on their faces.”

Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce President Cheri Van Blaircum said that the Chamber pays for the fireworks show in part from a large donation from the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority, as well as through local fundraising efforts.

 “For next year’s ADIV, we are going to start having meetings in August,” Van Blaircum said. “Anyone who would like to participate with time, talent or treasure should reach out to the Chamber. We want as much involvement from the community as possible.”

Van Blaircum said this year’s event started off on an uphill climb, since no one on the Chamber board or event committee had ever participated in planning the celebration before, but with the help of community members and the village offices, the event came together.

Anyone who wishes to support the Chamber for next year’s events should reach out to the SACC, at stockbridgeareachamber.org or facebook.com/stockbridgeareachamber. Checks of support can be sent to SACC, P.O. Box 310, Stockbridge, MI 49285.

John Salyer II covers the grand finale setup after setup is completed.

Matt Harden (left), Josh McAlister (middle) and Jack Marshall setup the fireworks show.

Josh McAlister (left) and David Tracy (right) setup for the fireworks show.