Reedley fireworks show founder continues to play a role, 63 years later

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Friday night, hundreds of people will gather in the City of Reedley to watch the sky light up with bright fireworks.

At 96 years old, George Grawan doesn't slow down when it comes to building the City of Reedley's famous Fourth of July fireworks display.

For six decades, George has been a key part in creating vibrant displays. It started back in 1951, when George and his brother, Walt, saw a Bay Area fireworks show. "So we talked to them and they said, 'stay with us for two weeks and we'll show you how to build them, what to do, how to set them up, and then you can go home and give your own show,' and we said that's a good deal."

George, his brother, and other community members built the fireworks for the city's first show in 1951. It wasn't easy, but it was a show, he'll never forget. "When they saw the show, they said, 'My God, I cant believe what I saw. I never expected it.'"

George ,who is also a World War II veteran, says he doesn't mind spending his time serving his community.

His niece, Lore Callahan, says her uncles started a patriotic legacy that shines bright. "They started this show and I cant imagine it not having that be a part of the family and part of this town and part of everything they do."

And for George, the best moment of the night will come when those fireworks light up and memories are made. "They don't know what's going to come up next. so they sit there and wonder and all of a sudden, they see flames and fireworks going up in the air and roman candles shooting and then aerial bombs going off. They're looking down and looking up. I think they like it because they come back every year."