Somerset — Does SomerBlast really have to be a blast from the past? After just three years of patriotic summer celebrations held near the Fourth of July, the Somerset-Pulaski Chamber of Commerce announced this year that it would not be sponsoring a SomerBlast event due to a lack of funding and a lack of volunteers.The Pulaski County community reacted swiftly to the news, expressing disappointment on the Commonwealth Journal’s Facebook page over having to scratch the event from their already-small list of things to do in the area.

“In a town this size, all we are left with is drive-in fireworks?” complained Lori Yeager. “How sad. ...” (Local business 27 Twin Drive-in will be having its 43rd annual fireworks show at dusk on Monday, July 5. Eagle Heights Church will also have fireworks on Friday, July 2.)“Just one more reason why Somerset is a dying town,” said Angella Campbell.

“No SomerBlast. How sad,” added Joey Stone. “So many people enjoy the fireworks. It seems like we have less and less to do in Somerset anymore.”“It was a fun event for the family, and I am sad to see it go,” said Amy Meece.

Donnie Wilson said he wasn’t surprised at the news.“This is the kind of thing that has always been the problem with Somerset,” he said. “We have nothing to offer our people but a car show, and not everyone is into cars.”

“That is a shame,” added Barbara Chumbley. “Our town really doesn’t have a lot to offer for entertainment as it is, and now this.”“It was a family event that was decent and not so expensive,” Charlotte Sears said. “Every family that wanted to could enjoy it. Anything family-oriented in Pulaski County that isn’t school related seems to have no importance. ...”

“I am very disappointed about the fireworks show,” said Tiffany Eastham. “My son and I were looking forward to it. ...”A few locals wondered what it would take to make the event happen in spite of the Chamber of Commerce’s reluctance to commit to such an expensive undertaking.

“We love SomerBlast,” said Jinny Brinson. “There are thousands who go to it, and I’m sure if they would ask the community to come together to make it happen, everyone would. ... I know I would be happy to pay an entrance fee to watch all the bands and fireworks. It could be very possible if someone would put a little more effort into making it happen.”The CJ staff read the citizens’ comments, and agreed that it would be a shame for the community not to have access to an event which had been so well-liked in previous years. One CJ reporter mentioned the community’s disappointment to Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler and suggested that the City of Somerset consider hosting a fireworks show at SomerSplash water park — where there is plenty of parking, plenty of space to set off fireworks, and a park full of activities for the whole family nearby.

Girdler listened — and immediately put a plan in motion to make sure the community would be able to enjoy a family-friendly, city-sponsored event.“Independence Day will be celebrated with fireworks and the grand opening of two new water slides” at SomerSplash water park on Saturday, July 3, Mayor Girdler announced Friday.

The grand opening of the new water park attractions will be held at 10 a.m. Various activities will be available throughout the day at the water park, and the 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m. Girdler said live bands and other free events may be available, but details have not yet been confirmed.Girdler said the event would be held on a different day if the weather does not cooperate on July 3.

SomerSplash season passes will be honored all day, and, for those who do not have season passes, the regular price of $14.95 will be charged. Customers who enter the park after 4 p.m. will be charged $10.SomerSplash will remain open until midnight on July 3.

Mayor Girdler expressed appreciation to members of Somerset’s city council, who approved spending city money to cover the cost of the fireworks show, and to Chamber of Commerce Director Jack Keeney, who offered to assist the city in organizing the event.