Air Force retiree plans Memorial Day fireworks show at Lake Pueblo
The Pueblo West View
The producer of a Memorial Day weekend fireworks show over the waters of Lake Pueblo that wowed spectators last year is planning another one that he promises will be bigger and better.
About 5,000-6,000 people viewed the inaugural event last year. Colorado Springs resident Kevin Sarni financed the bulk of the project himself, and because it was so successful, he’s looking to grow the event and is searching for sponsors to help cover the increased costs this year. The 2008 Lake Pueblo State Park Annual Salute to Veterans Fireworks Display and Balloon Release is scheduled for May 24, the Saturday before Memorial Day.
“This event is an effort to give a fitting tribute to those men and women, both past and present - soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, firefighters, policemen and all of the civilian service people in this country that place their lives on the line so that we may live in this land of the free,” said Sarni, a retired Air Force Captain.
Sarni, who's also a pyrotechnics enthusiast, said starting the fireworks show last year was just something he wanted to do.
“Basically, I came from a relatively poor family and I couldn’t afford college, so I ended up in the Air Force and was able to get an undergraduate degree and two masters degrees there,” Sarni explained.
“I spent 20 years with the Air Force, and after I retired I was at the point where I could give something back. My father always said, ‘When you can give something back, you should.’
“One day I was talking to the rangers at Pueblo Reservoir and I said ‘We should do a tribute for anyone who does something good for everyone.’ And I love fireworks.”
So, the idea was born.
Sarni had originally planned to spend $1,000 and cover the full cost of the fireworks with that money, but after he learned about the other fees and permits he needed, the costs increased, so others jumped in to help.
This year, Sarni is donating $2,000 and his time, and also is raising additional money for the show in a variety of ways. Vectra Bank has signed on as a corporate sponsor.
He’s incorporated a balloon release into the festivities. Participants can purchase a balloon for $10 and can write a message or memorial on the balloon if they chose.
The balloons will be released at 7:30 p.m. on May 24, prior to the fireworks show that will begin around 9:15 p.m.
Individuals and business owners who want to help with the cost of the project also can donate money, either by filling out a pledge form at either of the marinas at the lake, or by donating online at www.salutetoveterans.org.
Although Sarni lives in Colorado Springs, he said he chose Lake Pueblo for his event because he has a boat and spends most of his summer on the lake, so Pueblo is like a second home to him.
“I have often thought that a fireworks display on Lake Pueblo would be a spectacular event, with the mountain silhouette, water reflection and boats along the shore,” he said.
“I have a deep respect for men and women in uniform, both military and civilian, and I wanted to tell them they are appreciated and remembered. What better way to say thank you than with a celebration in the sky?”
Sarni can be contacted for donations or questions at donations@salutetoveterans.org.
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