RATHDRUM - Rathdrum will ring in the new year with fireworks.

The fifth annual "Let Freedom Ring" show will be at the northwest corner of Lancaster and Highway 41 on the south side of town in George Thayer's field on Wednesday, New Year's Eve, at 6:45 p.m.

"The show should be able to be seen from most of the Rathdrum Prairie," said Jill Spiker, who helps organize the show. "The shoot is early enough for the whole family to enjoy and begin their New Year's Eve celebrations."

There will be a warning shot at 6:45 p.m. The next blast will start the show.

"This show will run 7 to 8 minutes, which is usually plenty for this time of year," Spiker said.

The Northern Lakes Fire District will be on hand to ensure the safety of the area.

Viewers are asked not to park in the fields or on Highway 41, but use the arterial roads such as Lancaster, Wyoming, Greensferry, Radiant Lake, Nagel and Meyer. A map of the location is at www.MarketPad.com/RathdrumFireworksGroup.

Donations can be made via the website's gift card program in $10 increments or at Washington Trust Bank in the Stein's Family Grocery in Rathdrum.

"Every penny donated goes to buy product for the next show," said Spiker, referring to the Rathdrum shows held on July 3 and New Year's Eve. "With the support of the Rathdrum community, the shows may be able to get bigger and better in the future. All donations are important, no matter the size."

Several years ago, Rathdrum residents and businessmen Royce Driggs of Edge Home Roofing and Dave Spiker of Marketpad.com founded the Rathdrum Fireworks Group to honor veterans and current military personnel with the "Let Freedom Ring" events. Rathdrum did not previously have a fireworks show.

Funding for the shows in the early years came mainly from the two founders' businesses and WilCo SuperCut Bandsaw, but more businesses and individuals have supported the shows in recent years. The city of Rathdrum also contributed $500 to each of the two shows this year.

The show would be cost-prohibitive without the work of the fireworks group founders, Spiker said.

"The founders have gotten the shoot location approved, permitting and insurance, fundraising and then secure volunteers to help set up, shoot and clean up," she said.