Elgin glows before the gloom

Elgin’s biggest Independence Day celebration looked into the eye of stormy forecasts to deliver another crowd-pleasing fireworks spectacle that organizers said is quickly becoming a seasonal highlight.

While nearby cities canceled their Fourth of July events, Elgin’s celebration at VFW Post 6115 continued for its fifth straight year, drawing nearly 2,000 people from across Bastrop County and Manor.

“It was amazing,” organizer Tiffany Finley said. “We decided to see how it would go, and it went real smooth.”

The event began at 5 p.m. and continued under dry skies until just after the fireworks finale about 9:30 p.m., despite rain in surrounding areas. Returning bands, games and the post’s silent auction gave the evening a familiar rhythm, while improved logistics helped smooth over last year’s technical issues.

“It definitely went better this year,” Finley said. “We started on time and were able to sing the national anthem, thank goodness — and the fireworks actually started.”

While damp fuses forced a brief delay during the finale, a lone explosion kept attendees around and only served to build anticipation for the true showstopper.

To manage the growing crowd, organizers hired local police to direct parking and traffic. Costs were covered by fundraising and donations collected from attendees as they parked. Elgin Boy Scouts helped mark parking spaces and guide vehicles.

“We are especially thankful to all of the volunteers that helped make this year’s event go so smoothly,” Finley said. “We had more than last year, and they really make a difference.”

Finley credited returning and new sponsors for helping bring the holiday to life. Supporters included Frontier Bank, Rush Chevrolet, Hill and Valley Heating & AC, Darling Ingredients, Aqua Water Supply, Blue-Bonnet Electric Cooperative and Elgin American Legion.

Attendees who donated during parking were entered into a raffle featuring prizes from local vendors and fireworks from Finley Festive Fireworks. Jordan Sheppard won this year’s raffle.

“Hats off to the police and staff on parking and exit before and after the event. Coordination was perfect,” one attendee said.