New Carlisle sets fireworks date for June 28, 2025, but organizers warn launch site still unresolved

City of New Carlisle council voted to set the 2025 fireworks display for Saturday, June 28, 2025, but the city manager warned the event could still be canceled if a safe launch site is not available.

City Manager Jake Kitko reported he spoke with American Fireworks and was advised the Saturday before July 4 will attract the largest crowd; the vendor prefers that date rather than July 4 itself. Kitko said the long-planned launch location may now abut new housing and could fall inside required safety buffers. He described a 500-foot minimum safety radius for certain shells and said that when plotted on a map that circle is large and limits candidate sites.

Council discussed alternatives including shooting from a field north of Van Crest, the hill at Garfield near the sewer plant and parking at nearby Bobo Park, and a Mel Chris property as a backup. Several council members and residents offered private properties as possible launch-viewing sites but Kitko said parking and equipment on some parcels and fenced areas at the plant create constraints. Kitko said he would contact potential property owners and report back.

Council formally moved and voted to set the date June 28, 2025. The motion passed on a roll-call vote. The manager said he will seek a contract with the fireworks vendor and will report locations and a contract back to council; he said the city could cancel the show if a safe launch venue cannot be secured.