Watch the skies
Fireworks will light up the skies over Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas this weekend to celebrate the 240th anniversary of the day, July 4, 1776, that the original 13 colonies declared their independence from Britain and the United States of America became a country. Haigler kicks off the July Fourth weekend on Saturday, with a concert and picnic at 7:30 p.m. MDT and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. MDT, all at the Cornerstone Community Center. Indianola's annual fireworks display goes off at dusk -- about 10 p.m. CDT -- Sunday, on the ball field on the west edge of town. Bring mosquito spray and free-will donations for next year's fireworks. Imperial's fireworks will go off Sunday, at 9:15 p.m. MDT, on the fairgrounds. Also on Sunday, Benkelman's fireworks will start at "dusk MDT" on the fairgrounds. Culbertson's fireworks go off at 10 p.m., Monday in front of the grandstand on the fairgrounds. Beaver City plans fireworks Monday at 10 p.m., on the fairgrounds. In Atwood, the Ambassadors will set off their fireworks display Monday at dark at Lake Atwood. Bring mosquito spray and lawn chairs.