This year’s Hobbs Fourth of July fireworks display is happening on Friday, July 1. The event will be held at the Hobbs Industrial Air Park (HIAP), 5425 Jack Gomez Boulevard. Gates will open at 7:45 pm.

The City of Hobbs Police, Fire, Parks and Open Spaces and Recreation Departments are collaborating to make the event safe and special for all.

According to a City of Hobbs press release (PDF), dated Tuesday, June 28, Friday, July 1 was chosen instead of July 4 for the celebration because of a shortage in the availability of fireworks vendors. “There is a nationwide shortage of pyrotechnicians to safely work fireworks displays, thus requiring communities to be flexible with the date of their Independence Day displays,” states the press release. The vendors who will conduct the fireworks display are contracted by the City of Hobbs. They are “trained and certified professionals”.

The public is notified that “for safety purposes all HIAP runway entrances/gates will be closed, locked and enforced” until their openings at 7:45. If handicapped parking is needed, the middle entrance should be used. Quick access to handicapped parking spaces will be available there.

A full evening is planned with “Movies Under the Stars” beginning at sundown. After the movie and prior to the fireworks show, an Intermission will be held. The City of Hobbs projects that the fireworks show itself will last about 20 minutes.

Rules To Be Enforced During the Event

Several rules to assure the safety of all will be enforced during the event.

• The lighting of any kind of fireworks by the public is PROHIBITED.

• “NO PARKING” signs will be placed in designated areas to show the exact locations where the “no fireworks” rule is being enforced.

• Hobbs Police personnel will be present to help direct traffic in and out of the HIAP grounds.

• The public is responsible for taking care of their own possessions.

• All trash should be thrown away properly in provided receptacles.

Exceptional to Extreme Drought Conditions 

The City of Hobbs reminds both residents and visitors “that the majority of Lea and Gaines Counties are in a state of Exceptional to Extreme Drought status per the National Drought Mitigation Center, causing a majority of these communities to place fireworks bans or restrictions,” states the press release. These weather conditions are an active breeding ground for wildfires, and “behaviors and activities” associated with the Fourth of July “place life and property at risk….” 

According to the press release, over one-fourth of fires “reported on the 4th of July are caused by fireworks, showing that proper cautions were not taken and that users’ behaviors were not safe.”

The city reminds the public NOT to “make yourself or your loved ones a statistic”. Everyone has the responsibility of ensuring “healthy, well-maintained properties and monitoring each other’s activities for a safer community.”

Rules and Safety Tips for Fireworks Users

The Hobbs Fire Department reminds the public of rules and safety tips for all fireworks users to follow.

• Those under 16 are prohibited from buying fireworks.

• Anyone who is intoxicated is not allowed to purchase fireworks.

• Be aware of the “hour of usage” of fireworks. Be considerate of neighbors.

• “Be aware that dry weather conditions have made grasses and weeds susceptible to fire.”

• “Keep a water supply – a garden hose and a bucket – handy in case of fire.”

• Adult supervision is mandatory if children use fireworks.

• “Never let children light fireworks.”

• Always “light only one item at a time” and “quickly move away from it.”

• “Use fireworks outdoors only and keep them away from combustibles and busy areas.”

• Fireworks should only be purchased from a licensed vendor.

• Read and follow all directions carefully.

• After celebrating, “clean up debris from fireworks and help keep Hobbs beautiful.”

• USE COMMON SENSE

All details about the 2022 Hobbs’ fireworks display are subject to change or cancellation as a result of current drought and safety concerns. For up-to-date information follow the “City of Hobbs” on Facebook and/or Instagram. Anyone with questions may call the city at (575)397-9291 or send a message via social media.