SLV Federal is longtime Alamosa sponsor

VALLEY — As Independence Day approaches, at least three public fireworks displays are planned in the San Luis Valley, all subject to change if weather or drought conditions warrant.

In cooperation with the City of Alamosa, San Luis Valley Federal Bank (SLV Bank) will sponsor fireworks for nearly the 25th time at the Alamosa Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 4, starting about 9:30 p.m. Other displays are planned in South Fork on Monday, July 3 and at the Mountain Views at Rivers Edge RV park just south of Creede on July 4, both at dusk.

SLV Bank began sponsoring the free fireworks show with the city's cooperation in 1997. Over the years, licensed pyrotechnicians, SLV Federal Bank staff, and other community members have volunteered to put on the popular show, with a watchful eye being kept by the Alamosa Fire Department.

“We are honored to offer this show to the public,” said Kyle Burnett, marketing officer for SLV Bank. “The volunteers that work to put on the show are an incredible and experienced team. There is a lot of planning and preparation to ensure the show is safe and entertaining. There have been numerous volunteers over the years, and SLVFB is incredibly grateful to everyone.”

Since 1997, the fireworks show was only canceled three times; twice due to drought conditions and once due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, according to Burnett. There have also been a few postponements due to bad weather.

The San Luis Valley has experienced several fire bans prohibiting fireworks at home. With Alamosa Fire Department’s support, SLVFB can still provide a firework show during less severe droughts. The Alamosa Fire Department is an invaluable resource during the dry seasons; we couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

Duane Bussey, then CEO at SLV Bank, said the bank was disappointed to cancel the show in 2020 citing a joint decision by the bank and the city to cancel due to the state’s coronavirus guidelines at the time.

Bussey also recalled that the Alamosa fireworks were historically sponsored by a local service club which experienced an accident during one year’s display near Adams State. Other local service clubs tried to support it for a few years but it eventually ran short of funds, so SLV Federal took over sponsorship in 1997.