ELLSWORTH – The Pierce County Friends of the Fair are bringing fireworks and fun back to Ellsworth at the Summer Hoopla 4-10 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Pierce County Fairgrounds (364 N. Maple St.)

Deanna Hines said she’s not sure how long it’s been since Ellsworth has had 4^th of July fireworks, but it’s been a long time.

“Lots of people have made the suggestion to us to bring the 4th of July fireworks back so we decided last year before the fair that we would start raising money for the fireworks,” Hines said. “At that time we were not originally planning to bring them back this summer but when Jack fell ill this past winter, we really wanted to bring them back. Unfortunately, he passed away before we got to see their return!”

Jack Hines was a founding member of the Pierce County Friends of the Fair and the key person for starting the original July 4 fireworks in Ellsworth. He died March 13.

The No Fish(ing), Fishing Contest is a “free with purchase” raffle, Hines said. There will be winners for the largest fish in four fish categories (Bass, Crappies, Northern and Walleye), some instant win prizes and a few mystery tackle boxes.

“The mystery tackle boxes winners will have a choice to trade for a guaranteed prize or keep the tackle box.... sort of like ‘Let’s Make a Deal,’” Hines said. “One of the boxes will have Brewers tickets.”

The non-winning fish will also go back in for a chance to win the grand prize drawing and some other prizes, including an ultimate fire ring package.

A dunk tank will give people the opportunity to soak Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda, Subway owner Michael Huffman, Coach Bob Traynor and Sam Hines, local 4-Her and owner of Sam’s Syrup. A schedule for the dunk tank will be posted on Facebook this week.

“Bob is a huge promoter for the Fair, the fairgrounds and Pierce County 4-H as well as the citizen member of the Fair Board,” Hines said.

People can play yard games, including mini golf, yard pong and corn hole at their own leisure. Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and homemade mac & cheese will be served at the St. Francis food stand, along with a beer garden. The night will be capped off with a fireworks show by Boothill Pyrotechnics. There is no rain date for the fireworks, so hopefully Mother Nature cooperates.

Part of the Friends of the Fair’s mission is to show people how great the Pierce County Fairgrounds are.

“What better way to do it than to have an event that families can enjoy,” Hines said. “Our efforts are also raising money for fairground improvements, so we are hoping to raise some money for some future projects that we have planned such as a permanent building for the beer garden, improving the speaker system and adding some new lighting.”

A special parking area will be designated for anyone who wants to bring their classic car to show off.

The Friends of the Fair will be assisted by community volunteers, the Pierce County 4-H Ambassadors and the Maiden Rock Rockets 4-H Club.

Follow the Friends of the Pierce County Fair on Facebook. They are always open to new members. Anyone interested in joining should email piercecountyfriendsofthefair@gmail.com