KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — While most people spend weeks preparing for the Fourth of July, former FOX26 meteorologist Dr. Jim Siebert spends months planning a professionally produced fireworks show that has become a Katy tradition.
"I work almost an entire year to do a show that lasts about 20 to 25 minutes," Siebert said. "I put the most time into researching different types of fireworks and things that I can do in the show. I want to get the neatest, the coolest stuff I can."
As Americans celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary this Independence Day, Siebert hopes the annual Katy tradition will once again bring neighbors together to honor the country's history while celebrating the community they call home.
The free event is open to the public and will be held on the fields of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1603 Norwalk Drive in Katy. Music begins at 7 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Parking will be available at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and at The Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 1530 Norwalk Drive.
A Year of Preparation for One Night
Although the Siebert family moved to Colorado four years ago, they return to Katy every Fourth of July to continue the tradition.
"We've been up here four years now, so this is the fourth time that we'll be driving back," Siebert said. "It's really fun because we get to spend a few days with our family and friends."
Producing the display requires far more than lighting fuses. Siebert said the event requires permits from Harris County, coordination with the fire marshal's office and liability insurance. He is also licensed in both Texas and Colorado as a professional pyrotechnic display operator.
"I'm a professionally licensed pyrotechnic display operator, which means I can shoot fireworks," Siebert said. "In order for me to do that, I had to take a certain amount of classes. I had to pass some safety courses, and then I had to take a state exam. I'm also licensed through the Pyrotechnics Guild International, which is an international society of pyrotechnic operators."
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Jim Siebert
Jim Siebert, his wife, Debbie, and their family prior to a previous 4th of July fireworks display.
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Jim Siebert
Jim and Debbie Siebert, second and third from the left, with family and friends prior to a previous annual fireworks display.
A Family Tradition Behind the Fireworks
The annual show is also a family effort. Each member of the Siebert family plays a role, including operating the firing system, serving as spotters and coordinating the music.
"When my daughter and I are sitting together, and we do this every year, we take a selfie seconds before we start to shoot the show," Siebert said. "That's my favorite moment because we've worked all year long to get to that point."
Honoring a Friend Who Helped Build the Tradition
This year's celebration will be dedicated to Shaun Shaun Kallis, a longtime friend who helped produce the show's music and had been part of the event from its earliest days. Shaun Kallis died last summer.
"Shaun has been with us from the very beginning when we started doing this," Siebert said. "He's done the music for all of our shows. He was funny and just always helped me with the fireworks from day one. We're going to have a moment of silence for him."
Bringing the Community Together
For Siebert, the annual celebration is about more than fireworks.
"I lived in the country, and the Fourth of July was this little town's biggest thing. People were barbecuing, and there were pie-baking contests. Then at the end of the day, the town would have a big fireworks show," Siebert said. "People don't really do that that much anymore. That's why I love to do it. It reminds me of the great community events that I had when I was growing up."
As Katy and the surrounding area continue to grow, Siebert hopes the tradition reminds people of the importance of community.
"We have so many challenges in our country, but I want people to remember that we have so many good things that we share together. I think there's something special about Houston, especially Katy, where we have gone through so many disasters and storms together," Siebert said. "I want people to come and just have a great time like they did when they were young, growing up, and we used to do this a lot more. It's just a great event to have your family come, and your friends come and feel part of your community."
