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The Keith County Chamber is asking the community to help keep Ogallala’s Fourth of July fireworks tradition alive as fundraising begins for the 2026 celebration.
Keith County Chamber Membership Director Dawn Haney said the Chamber is coordinating the fundraising effort after the City of Ogallala handed off responsibility for organizing the annual fireworks show.
“The Chamber’s coordinating the fundraising for this year’s 2026 fireworks show because we’ve taken it over from the city,” Haney said.
Rising vendor costs have significantly increased the price of putting on the show. In previous years, the fireworks display cost around $25,000. Haney said the estimated cost for a comparable show this year is about $35,000 — roughly a 40 percent increase.
“We want to make sure Ogallala and Keith County can continue its Fourth of July fireworks tradition,” Haney said.
The effort is already off to a strong start. The City of Ogallala and Keith County have each committed $6,000 toward the display, creating a starting base of $12,000. The remaining funding will need to come from businesses, organizations and community members.
Timing is also important. Haney said the Chamber must place the fireworks order by late April to receive a vendor early-order discount.
“We do need to place the fireworks order by late April in order to receive the vendor’s early order discount,” Haney said, noting the discount is about 15 percent.
Community members have several ways they can contribute to the fundraising effort. Donations can be made by scanning QR codes on Chamber fireworks flyers posted around the community, bringing contributions directly to the Chamber office or the KCAD office, or by becoming a business sponsor.
Businesses interested in sponsoring the fireworks show can contact the Chamber to arrange sponsorship opportunities.
Residents who want to learn more about the effort can attend an upcoming public presentation during an Ogallala Rotary Club meeting.
“We will be sharing more about the fireworks effort at the Ogallala Rotary Club meeting on March 19 at noon,” Haney said. “It’s open to the public and will be held upstairs in the hayloft at the Front Street Steakhouse.”
Haney said Chamber Board President Lana Shaw will also attend to discuss the transition of the fireworks effort and answer questions.
The Chamber has also created a visual way for the community to track fundraising progress. Local artist Breeanna Benton recently painted a fireworks-themed fundraising meter on the Chamber window in downtown Ogallala.
“We’ll be filling it in as the donations come in so you get to see our progress,” Haney said.
Community members can follow fundraising updates on the Keith County Chamber’s Facebook page, sign up for the Chamber’s e-newsletter, or contact the Chamber directly for more information.
Haney said community support will be key to making the fireworks display possible this year — especially as the nation approaches a milestone celebration.
“This is a community event,” Haney said. “And this is the 250th for America… we would love to have it be a great celebration for everyone.”