Fireworks, bonfire ring in 2015

A hot fire will ring out a cold day as Churchill County residents begin to countdown the final hours of 2014.

The annual city of Fallon/Churchill County fireworks and bonfire begin at 6:15 p.m. today at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, said Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention Tourism Authority.

“People should be in the grandstands or in their cars for the fireworks,” Gray said, adding during the fireworks, KKTU Radio (FM 99.5) will be playing patriotic music.

Afterward, a big bonfire consisting of recycled Christmas trees, pallets and other material will light up the night sky, added Gray.

Additionally, Gray said pizza, hot chocolate and coffee will be for sale.

For those who bring their Live Local Fallon passport books, Gray said the city will stamp the “Wildcard” block, which is a substitute for another category.

For those who venture outside their vehicles and either sit in the grandstands or edge near the roaring fire, Gray said tonight will be cold like last year’s New years Eve celebration.

Today will be sunny with a high near 26 and northerly winds 10-15 miles per hour. Tonight, though, the weatherman predicts the thermometer will drop to 5 degrees with a high on New Year’s Day of 30 and a morning low of 12.

Government agencies and financial institutions will be closed on New Year’s Day. Many of them are also planning to close early today.

Federal, state, city and county offices are closed on Thursday but will be open on Friday. Naval Air Station Fallon will be on its holiday schedule. The city of Fallon will have garbage pick up.

Churchill County School District and Oasis Academy classes are on their Christmas break, but students return on Monday.

Western Nevada College is closed Thursday, but students don’t return to classes until later in the month.

Financial institutions are closed Thursday but check with specific banks or credit unions for Friday hours.

The Maine Street and Pony Express post offices will be closed Thursday but open on Friday, and the Maine Street facility is open Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular mail delivery is on both days.

The Lahontan Valley News closes today at 3 p.m. but will reopen on Friday.