Douglas County Republicans push to restore Highlands Ranch fireworks show

Douglas County Republicans moved to bring back Highlands Ranch’s canceled Fourth of July fireworks show after the original display was scrapped in June over drought and wildfire danger, putting a holiday tradition on the county’s budget and politics ledger.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association, Highlands Ranch Metro District and Douglas County jointly canceled the fireworks display at Highland Heritage Regional Park on June 11, citing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, extreme drought and elevated fire danger across the region. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office later lifted fire restrictions on June 2 for unincorporated county areas, but the Highlands Ranch decision stayed in place.

Dave DiCarlo, a Highlands Ranch resident and the Douglas County Republican Party’s second vice chair, said he was upset when he learned the community would not have fireworks this year and decided to act. He and others reached out to county commissioners, who were at least open to exploring options, then began lining up fireworks contracts and volunteers.

The price tag is now part of the argument. A memo in the county agenda estimated a county-funded fireworks show at roughly $78,000, turning the question from a neighborhood dispute into a debate over whether taxpayer dollars should restore a canceled event. The fight also comes as residents remain sensitive to wildfire risk and to how commissioners choose to spend county money.

Highlands Ranch is not without an Independence Day celebration. The metro district is hosting the Star-Spangled Birthday Bash on July 2 at Highland Heritage Regional Park, beginning at 6 p.m., with a free concert featuring two bands and a nod to America’s 250th birthday. The community is also still planning a concert on July 2 and a parade on July 4, but without fireworks.

The wider area is moving ahead with its own displays. Castle Rock, Parker and Lone Tree are planning fireworks celebrations, weather permitting, adding to the frustration among some Highlands Ranch residents who see their community as being left out. At the same time, Douglas County planning records show a TNT Fireworks stand operating at 6675 Business Center Dr. in Highlands Ranch from June 20 to July 4, at Highlands Ranch Filing 128A, Lot 1, a reminder that consumer fireworks sales are active even as officials argue over whether the county should underwrite a professional show.