Dear Editor, The Vian Community Foundation’s 25th annual Fireworks Extravaganza was a fun event for all, yet terribly saddened by the news of our Vian and Keys guys who had been severely injured the night before.

The show had been moved from the high school football field to Armstrong Park, due to turf being put on the field. The Town of Vian did an excellent job with help from the Vian Police Department at securing the area and providing a concert at the VAMP, along with food trucks.

Next year, the Foundation is handing the reigns for the show over to the Town of Vian, but will continue to support the show financially and help in any way the town needs.

People have asked about the history of our fireworks show. The fireworks show started with Ann Hogan’s family. The Hardin bunch paid for fireworks and Matt Brunson put on a show out at the Hardin’s home place. Being a lifelong friend of the Hardin kids because of being the fourth Gossett daughter, according to Fred D., Pat and I were always invited.

At one point, Doug Ford, who was then the treasurer on our board, mentioned to me that we should move it into town. We asked Matt if he would be willing to shoot the show for the whole town. He agreed, and his cousin or Becky’s cousin helped him the first few years.

Then, Jody Sloan and Keith Boshers helped him for a few years. Then after a while, we started hiring a professional company.

The favorite sons and daughters idea came from Ann and me. Ann wrote the qualifications as well as the writing to go on the plaques. We’ve never changed the writing in all these years. To date, we have honored 176 Vian citizens, past or present.

This year’s recipients were Derek Locust and Eric “Stank” Samuels, and the Mayor’s Choice award went to Justus “Tuffy” Christie.

The sponsors for this year’s show included the following: Vian Community Foundation, Town of Vian, Armstrong Bank, LTC Solutions – Dr. Bill and Brandie Anderson, King and Co. – Dr. Brandon and Raegan King, Camille’s Kidz, Linda and Myron Venable, Vian Nursing and Rehab – Schuyler Montgomery, Tenkiller Family Chiropractic – Dr. Ken and Dr. Maggie Pack, First Freewill Baptist Church, Choctaw Stoneworks and Vian Mini Storage – Rob and Lisa Ridgeway, Vian Family Dental – Dr. Logan and Jana Coffee, Triton Health – Dr. Pat and Suzanne Sullivan, Circle R Properties – Randal and Shawna Rogers, Simon’s Hardware – Kevin Minks, Vian Eye Clinic – Dr. Bill Parker, Glory Prom – Jana Parker and Jeff Cotner, and L & S Feeds.

Please be sure to thank these sponsors when you see them, and shop local!

Suzanne Sullivan Vian Community Foundation