GI Casino Resort donations push Community Fireworks over fundraising goal
[Grand Island, Nebraska, June 18, 2026] With the presentation of two checks, the Grand Island Casino Resort has officially pushed Grand Island’s community fireworks show past its $60,000 fundraising goal.
Through the casino’s Giving Back program and a traditional event sponsorship, Grand Island Casino Resort’s contribution totaled $8,048. This secured the financial threshold required to pay for this year’s historic fireworks show.
“The casino has supported us since they came to town,” said Greg Geis, chair of the grass-roots committee that puts on the fireworks show. “They are a great community partner and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
While the $60,000 goal covers the cost of the fireworks and the professional launch crew, administrative costs, like insurance, have been drawn from existing reserves.
“Any donations beyond our goal will help rebuild those reserves for next year’s pre-event costs,” explained committee member Josh Smidt. “It’s important in keeping this a free event for the public.”
With this year’s high demand for fireworks, Geis said, “We have partnered with J&M Fireworks for the last four years. One of the reasons we like to work with them is that they are large enough to take care of us every year.”
This year’s show will be held at Stuhr Museum in celebration of the Semiquincentennial. People are invited to attend Stuhr’s activities throughout the day and evening then stay for the fireworks. Those just wishing to come see the fireworks show, may enter after 8 p.m. for free. The launch will be at 10 p.m. The accompanying music will be broadcast on KRGI 105.5.
For information about the day’s activities visit the museum’s website. For up-to-date information about the fireworks, and weather announcements on the day of, visit the Grand Island Fireworks Facebook page.
Grand Island Community Fireworks is a component project of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.