Bannock County approves fee waiver for Toys for Tots fireworks event and proclaims Operation Greenlight week

Bannock County commissioners on Nov. 6 agreed to allow a revived community fireworks event associated with Toys for Tots and approved a fee waiver and necessary facility use, while also reading a county proclamation designating Nov. 4–11, 2025 as Operation Greenlight.

Scott Crowder, a local vendor, and Melissa Hartman of Bannock County Veterans Services introduced representatives from Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps League, saying the previous organizer had stepped away and community partners were exploring whether they could revive the longstanding event. "Toys for Tots distributed 23,000 toys to area children" last year, Hartman said, describing the program's scale and the role the event plays in bringing additional gifts and foundation support.

Organizers told commissioners they would need roughly $25,000 in sponsorships to secure a fireworks company for about 15 minutes of fireworks; the vendor had indicated a willingness to donate roughly 10% of the package back to the charity and carry a $5,000,000 liability policy. County facility staff cautioned that cleanup from past fireworks displays (burned pallets and nails) had been a concern but said recurring events had been accommodated and staff could assist with logistics.

Hartman requested the contract list the local Toys for Tots coordinator, Stephanie Bersier, for insurance and liability purposes rather than the event organizer Jenny Lynn Wardlow; county staff agreed to change the contract to list Bersier as coordinator so the foundation's insurance requirements would be satisfied.

An unidentified commissioner moved to approve the fee waiver and the event as presented; the board voted to approve the motion. Following those approvals, the board read and entered into the record a proclamation recognizing Operation Greenlight — encouraging residents and institutions to display a green light in support of veterans from Nov. 4 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025 — with the proclamation listing Jeff Huff, Ernie Moser and Ken Bullock as signatories.

The organizers said they may seek additional public awareness partnerships with local hardware stores to make green bulbs more visible and easier to purchase in future years. Organizers also noted the tight fundraising timeline and said the event's success would depend on securing sponsorships and completing required insurance and logistics steps.

Next steps: staff will update contract language to list Stephanie Bersier as coordinator for insurance purposes and organizers will continue fundraising and logistics planning.