by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
Fireworks stands across Riley County are benefitting a variety of organizations and causes in 2022.
In the town of Randolph, the fireworks stand is located at the corner of 1st and Randolph Streets, all proceeds raised from the sale of fireworks will be used to fund the 2023 Independence Day Celebration.
Across the City of Manhattan, fireworks stands are benefitting youth activities and even a few college students tuition funds.
Here's a list of a few of the fireworks stands in Manhattan and who or what they are supporting with a portion of this year's proceeds:
-1000 N Scenic Drive (southeast of the roundabout at Scenic Drive and Anderson) - a silent auction and portion of the proceeds will be donated to 'No Stone Unturned'
-1150 Westport Drive (in the parking lot of the Fridge Liquor store) - a silent auction and portion of the proceeds will be donated to 'No Stone Unturned'
-3007 Anderson Avenue (beside Midwest Dream Car Collection) - benefitting the Riley County High School Band
-1090 Westloop (in middle of parking lot near the ATA bus stop) - proceeds benefit the University of Missouri student running the stand and will go towards paying his tuition.
-2304 Stagg Hill Road (in the parking lot of Bamboo Buffet) - supports Paragon Performance's ninja warriors, cheer and TNT teams.
-600 S 10th Street (in the Carpet Plus parking lot) - proceeds will benefit the Manhattan High School football team.
-605 S 3rd Street (in grass lot next to Casey's) - proceeds will be used to help college students pay their bills.
-101 Bluemont Avenue (in the Walmart parking lot) - Emporia State University college students are raising money to pay bills and tuition.
-515 McCall Road (in the Menard's parking lot) - Four Junction City High School graduates are raising money to fill the gap in tuition payments and scholarships for attending college while playing football.
-731 McCall Road (in the Bates Dance Studio parking lot) - raising money for HYAAA-Heartland Youth Arts & Athletics Association to support scholarships for athletes to attend classes, clinics and performances.
-200 Sarber Lane (in the parking lot at Ashley Furniture) - fireworks stand ran by US Army veteran to raise money for his family
-114 McCall Road (parking lot of American Legion) and 2215 Tuttle Creek Blvd (next to the mexican food trailer at Kimball and Tuttle Creek Blvd) - ran by mother and son (Sandy and Brandon Ratzloff) for more than 15 years.
Fireworks can be sold in the city of Manhattan from 8:00 am until midnight on July 4th.
Areas outside of Manhattan city limits have different limitations on selling and lighting of fireworks. Here's a guide put together by the Riley County Police Department: