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(File Photo) Although the 2025 Boomfest has been canceled this year, Canyon Road Barn & Grill will still be holding the 9th annual Salute in the Salt Flats Friday, July 4 at 5790 FM 3418. This is a photo of fireworks from a previous year’s Salute in the Salt Flats
An event that will help raise money for local volunteer fire departments is returning for the 4th of July this weekend. With the 2025 Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce Boomfest being canceled, the Salute in the Salt Flats is returning for the ninth year. The owner of Canyon Road Barn & Grill, Kent Thompson, and Tracy Patterson are putting on the fireworks show and event to raise money for the Caddo, Wayland and Hubbard Creek Volunteer Fire Departments.
Wayland VFD Fire Chief Cecil Ramsaier described the appreciation towards Thompson, saying that the event definitely helps the local fire departments and the community. Last year, the funds raised were split between four departments, with Woodson VFD also receiving a portion. Each VFD last year received a check for $3,103, as a total of over $12,000 was raised at last year’s fireworks show.
“None of our volunteer fire departments receive funding other than through volunteers. Kent helps us get funding for buying fuel and replenishing whatever we need during the year,” Ramsaier said. “I am thankful to have him to help fundraise and to help the community. It gives the public peace of mind that if a fire breaks out, we will be out there.”
Ramsaier added that Thompson has been good about helping out with other fundraising events throughout the year.
“Every little bit helps,” Ramsaier said. “I hope a lot of folks come out and support [Thompson] too.”
Thompson and Patterson are providing the fireworks for the event.
There are four donor levels for the event, which will allow guests to watch the show from various areas for the free fireworks show kicking off at dusk Friday, July 4 at 5790 FM 3418.
Available donor levels are $500 for stratosphere, which includes reserved parking for the show, $300 for high altitude, $200 for tree top view and $100 for ground zero.
The Salute in the Salt Flats began in 2017 as a way for Canyon Road to step in and put on a show of its own, as the Boomfest was also canceled that year to make room for the air show.
“This is for the kids who are used to being entertained by Boomfest every year,” Thompson said.
Before the fireworks show kicks off, Shonda Wood will be performing the National Anthem, and Key City Entertainment will be providing patriotic music throughout the show.
The show returned in 2018 and has every year since, even during the years that Boomfest has gone off. This year’s Boomfest being canceled makes the Salute in the Salt Flats the biggest Independence Day celebration in Breckenridge. Possum Kingdom Lake will also be putting on its 38th annual Hell’s Gate fireworks show Saturday, July 5, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Next year, it will be the 10th annual event to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Which will likely cause an even bigger celebration than a normal year.
Despite the upcoming holiday, Stephens County has not issued a burn ban as of Monday, June 30.
Fireworks create an increased risk of fires and the pair putting on the fireworks display asks everyone to be aware of their surroundings and remain safe while enjoying the show.
All three aforementioned volunteer fire departments will have brush trucks on location during and after the show, according to Patterson.
Due to fire hazard, Thompson and Patterson ask that no one launch their own fireworks. The show usually goes 30 to 45 minutes.
