Hardtner's Fourth of July tradition is changing; NO celebration this year

If your Fourth of July tradition is to go to Hardtner, Kansas, for the parade to enjoy the swimming pool have a pit BBQ sandwich and watch the fireworks extravaganza explode over the old Achenbach hospital lawn, it's time to make other plans.

For 62 years, the tiny town of Hardtner has held a day-long Fourth of July celebration. At a Chamber of Commerce meeting Friday, they voted 14-6 to stop having the event. Hardtner's City Council met Wednesday. Friends of the Pool, a group that wants to try and reopen the nearly Olympic-size swimming pool, attended. The council has said no for multiple reasons. Hardtner Mayor Durwin Wolgamott said the pool needs major cost-prohibitive repairs.

“The city doesn't have the money to rehab it,” Wolgamott said. “The pool has had so many bandaids.” He said concrete would have to be broken to fix the pipes that were last replaced in about 1985. Concrete replacement is expensive. “Declining population and escalating cost is the problem. And even finding help. It boils down to the American dollar,” Wolgamott said. He complimented Lisa Woods on her efforts to lead Friends of the Pool.

Woods told the Newsgram the Friends of the Pool are looking into grants and different non-profits for funding assistance. The group is working with the city toward appropriate methods of resolution. Watch for more details on their efforts next week in the Newsgram.

Not having the pool open is another reason the chamber voted to cancel the Fourth of July activities. In the July heat the pool was always a huge drawing card.

Sam Sterling told the Newsgram, “John Cook and I were talking. Our dads started Hardtner's Fourth of July celebration. They did it for 20 years. We've done it 40 years. We felt it was time for a change.”

Sterling said, “We want to refocus for the future. Our tradition is changing.” They are considering a fireworks show and celebration to honor veterans next Memorial Day weekend on that Saturday.

When Hardtner started their fireworks show, they drew in a sizable crowd from area towns. Now many towns have their own aerial displays. Sterling said, “Please stay home and enjoy your town's fireworks.”

Syd Sterling said with her voice cracking, “I'm sad. I was born the first year we had the celebration in 1958. My mom was pregnant with me. The ladies wore long dresses and sliced homegrown tomatoes and onions to go on the pit BBQ sandwiches. Hundreds of people came to town for the day to celebrate. The Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday.” Syd said Hardtner hasn't missed having the celebration except about 10 years ago when rain forced the fireworks show to be canceled.

Sam and Syd both commented about it was becoming more difficult to get people to help with all the work required to make the day happen. For example, organizing the parade; cooking the pit BBQ; organizing and getting all the items for the White Elephant Auction that is a major fundraiser for the event that is free to the public; and gathering the crew who is knowledgeable to safely set off the huge fireworks aerial and ground displays; etc. Hardtner resident Garrett Cook choreographed music to the fireworks and was licensed. He and is family moved to Texas this year.

Sam noted that many of the individuals who were “big donors” to Hardtner's Fourth of July through the years have passed away.

No community's celebration could exude more heartfelt patriotism than what Hardtner's offers. Their citizens are anxious for a new chapter to unfold when the sky explodes with fireworks to honor the veterans, many of whom gave their own life, next Memorial Day. Once again, it is veterans' great sacrifice that makes us remember “freedom is not free.” And remember the words of President Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”