RATHDRUM - Dave Spiker and Royce Driggs are going to end the year by lighting up the Rathdrum Prairie in honor of veterans.

The local business owners are sponsoring a $5,000 fireworks show on Monday on New Year's Eve over George Thayer's field at Highway 41 and Lancaster on the south side of Rathdrum starting at 6:45 p.m.

"It will be a heck of a show," said Spiker, CEO of MarketPad.com and a managing member of Golden Spike Estates

"We've been approved by the state to shoot the largest fireworks that you're allowed to do.

"The main reasons we're doing it is to celebrate our veterans and wish everyone a happy new year."

Spiker said the show will last about 10 minutes and was scheduled early enough for families with young children to enjoy and so it doesn't interfere with many New Year's Eve activities.

Spiker said a Hayden Lake resident heard the booms last year before looking out over the prairie to enjoy the show.

The show will happen regardless, but Spiker and Driggs, owner of Edge Home Roofing, are seeking community donor participation through the "Rathdrum Fireworks Group" account at Washington Trust Bank in Stein's Market in Rathdrum to help defray the costs and ensure it continues on July 3 and New Year's Eve.

"We want to turn it into an annual event for both holidays," Spiker said. "It's well worth doing in our area, and I think we're building a tradition. We can't afford to keep doing it year after year if no one helps, but we'll do everything within our power to do it."

Spiker said that, as of Wednesday, only about $300 in donations had been obtained.

This will be the group's third fireworks show and second on New Year's Eve.

"A lot of people enjoyed it last year when we had a clear sky," he said, adding that the show will have a patriotic theme.

Spiker said those who drive to the prairie to see the show should avoid being in the field and parking along Highway 41. Places to park include off Lancaster, Greensferry, Wyoming or roads in the Radiant Lake area.

"Those should all be front-row seats," Spiker said.

Lance Bridges, Rathdrum's parks and recreation director, took in the show with his family last year.

"We parked on Wyoming and could see it quite well," he said.

Spiker said the event takes coordination and cooperation from multiple individuals and agencies, including Thayer, the city's permit division and the police and fire departments.

"Most families should be able to get home in 10 to 15 minutes," said Spiker, adding that any traffic hassles should be relatively minor.

How to help

Local businesses MarketPad.com, Golden Spike Estates and Edge Home Roofing are sponsoring a $5,000 fireworks show on New Year's Eve in Rathdrum, but are seeking community donor participation through the "Rathdrum Fireworks Group" account at Washington Trust Bank in Stein's Market in Rathdrum to defray the cost.