By Tim Evans
Index Reporter
Just 10 years ago, Alfredo Prata put together a small fireworks show for his family and friends in Atalissa. Next Saturday night, June 22, at dusk, he may be launching his last fireworks display in the bite sized rural community between West Liberty and Wilton and he promises it will be his best show ever.
With Iowa laws changing and legalities looming, the Sandwich, Ill., resident may be shedding a few tears that night because of what he and his Atalissa family have created – a delightful family show that may be held for the final time as part of Atalissa Days, Friday and Saturday, June 21-22.
The Atalissa Fireworks has grown into a major event that draws hundreds of families and friends from all over the area and fundraising efforts this year were just under $900 away from meeting a $2,900 goal last week.
But fundraising wasn’t the big snag in the show this year that nearly didn’t happen – it was simply the fact Prata had to be officially trained in Iowa to shoot off the fireworks. But city officials, the fire department and mayor Angie Dickey, knowing this is Atalissa’s one major celebration of the year, worked with Prata and Iowa public safety officials to obtain a permit by making him an honorary member of the Atalissa Fire Department, giving Prata the power to be able to shoot off the fireworks.
“New laws in Iowa prevent people from doing shows like this,” he said, pointing out there has been a movement throughout the Midwest by legislators to block residents from putting on their own homemade shows, promoting larger, more professional displays.
“It’s really been appreciated for all the love and support we’ve had over the years,” Prata said. “That means more to me than anything. That’s the biggest thing I’ll miss.”
Prata said he started 10 years ago by bringing a couple of “little boxes” of fireworks including about a dozen major sky units, to light up for his family, sister-in-law Brandy and brother Nate Brockman Vidmar, as well as a few friends. The small show was a hit and he added more fireworks the following years, getting people to “chip in” to help with costs.
“I brought a bunch of fireworks the following year and more and more people started showing up,” he said, noting the event was eventually combined with Atalissa Days by the request of the fire department, adding more festivities to the weekend pre-Independence Day celebration.
Prata’s “farewell” show promises to be his best ever for Atalissa and he says it will take four experienced firework setters at least five days at eight to 10 hours a day, to set up the show, always held in front of the Atalissa Fire Department in an empty railroad track area that is near the Vidmar home, opposite the fire house.
He said the group is planning two musical finales – a Prata first – as fireworks are choreographed to two different genres of music. “It’ll be a little more than last year,” said Prata of the 32-minute show that’s eight minutes longer than any other show he’s put on in Atalissa. “If it’s going to be my last show, I figured we’d give people one last little thrill,” he said.
Prata says all the “consumer” fireworks he purchases for the show are legal and there is no license required to fire them into the sky, pointing out most can be found in any public fireworks store. Prata has taken required PGI fireworks safety classes that allow him to put on other shows in other states. “I just know where to get the best stuff,” Prata said.
When he first started shooting fireworks in Atalissa, he said they were all lit by hand with torches, but he’s become more efficient and safety conscious through the years and today uses Cobra electronic launching systems.
Prata said he never expected the private show to grow into a community event. “In that moment, my family and I never imagined we had started something that would bring so many family and friends together from all over,” he wrote on a social media page, noting it grew quicker than expected” and says his family is “extremely grateful” he could “share these moments with you all.”
He recommended fireworks watchers to stand a little further back, noting the street behind the fire station offers the best view, noting effects are lost getting any closer, although those watchers will enjoy a great show as well.
The Atalissa Fire Department will be selling food and beverages, and “The Jammers,” perform 8 p.m. to midnight at the fire station.
Should inclement weather appear to be a problem for Saturday evening, the fireworks will be held on Friday night, officials noted.
Like the past six years, donations can be made through information on the Atalissa Fireworks Facebook page. Prata said the initial group that started the Atalissa fireworks – his family – is donating the grand finales.