July 4 events to support firefighters

Recent fires in the region have prompted the Devils Tower KOA to cancel its annual fireworks display, scheduled for July 4.

Owner Ogden Driskill said, “We are proud of the great fireworks show we put on each year, but it’s just too dry and there is too much at risk. We are shifting gears and working to support the firefighters and first responders with a benefit.”

While the sky may not be filled with bright bursts of color, the party will go on. Driskill says the Devils Tower KOA management team has organized a plethora of events for the fourth that includes, “...a little bit of something for everyone with monies raised going to local firefighting and EMS units. We are starting with a donation from the Driskill family of $3000 and our goal is to end up with at least $20,000. Our firefighters and EMS folks do a heck of a job. In years like this they need all the support they can get; hopefully, we can come together as a community and do this for them.”

Donors are actively being sought prior to the event and will be recognized at the event. Individuals and businesses wishing to make a donation should contact Andrea Wood by email at [email protected] or by phone/text at (307) 290-0121.

The day will kick off at noon with a Slip’ n Slide Kickball Tournament sponsored by FlowTech Fueling of Moorcroft. Office manager Krissy Hinkhouse is coordinating the tournament. Teams of 7-10 persons can pre-enter by texting (307) 629-1264 or can enter on-site up until 11:30 a.m.

The entry fee is $20 per team with all proceeds going to the benefit. The winning team will receive a prize.

The Moorcroft Chamber of Commerce dunk tank will be on-site with each throw costing just a dollar, again all proceeds going to the benefit. Event organizers are currently looking for an organization or youth group to volunteer to supervise the dunk tank from noon to 5 p.m. Interested parties should contact Andrea Wood. 

Free bounce houses sponsored by the Devils Tower KOA will be available for kids ages 3-12 from noon to 8 p.m. Parental supervision is required for all children.

The Axe House from Gillette will be on-site from noon to 6 p.m. for those who want to test their sharp weapon throwing skills. Additionally, Gillette’s Big Lost Meadery will be there with goods for those who have a taste for authentic honey mead. These components do have a fee. 

The fifth annual Devils Tower KOA Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament will begin promptly at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $40/team with prize monies offered and all other monies going to the benefit.

Entry forms are available on the Devils Tower KOA Facebook page or can be picked up at the Devils Tower KOA. Teams are welcome to enter the day of the tournament; entries will close at 1 p.m. 

There will be an open mic on the big deck starting at 3 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Anyone and everyone is welcome to share their talents. Speakers and mics will be available.

Moorcroft’s First Presbyterian Church Pastor Monte Reichenberg and wife Susan are offering horse-drawn hay wagon rides for free with donations to the benefit encouraged. Rides will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m., dependent on the weather. 

The Devils Tower KOA is providing live music from Badger Horse from 6 to 10 p.m. on the big deck for kid-friendly music and dancing.

Throughout all activities, the Campstool Cafe and Sweet Shop will be open. A variety of food trucks will be on site and anyone with a food truck who would like to participate is encouraged to contact Andrea Wood.