Pioneer Hose volunteers committed to bringing back community fireworks

For Tammy Jones, childhood Fourth of July celebrations were spent watching fireworks at her grandma’s house down the street from Pioneer Hose Company in Brackenridge.

She continued the tradition with her own family until this year, when the 60-year pyrotechnic display was canceled after fundraising difficulties.

“It was boring without them this year,” said Jones of Harrison. “My family decided then and there that we were going to do something to bring them back.”

Pioneer Hose ran the fireworks for decades before Summit Hose in Tarentum took over the job in the 1990s.

A decline in donations caused the cancellation. Summit Hose Chief Josh Fox said this year the department couldn’t risk losing money on the event in light of rising expenses for firefighting.

A member of the Pioneer Ladies Auxiliary for 45 years, Jones is spearheading an effort to bring back the “oohs” and “aahs” of the nighttime show. She said the effort will benefit people in Brackenridge, Tarentum and Harrison.

“This is for everyone,” fire company President Jodie Deiseroth said. “It’s a big task, and we need help.”

Pioneer Hose launched a Facebook page, 2026 Community Fireworks, through which they will raise money with tip boards, bingo and raffles.

They hope to raise $25,000.

“Every penny raised will go to the fund, toward the cost of fireworks, safety and event logistics,” said Emily Jones, auxiliary member and public relations chair. “We want to gather here, in our own communities to celebrate. We’re working to bring back something that the whole community loves.”

It cost at least $15,000 to produce the display.

The fireworks were typically shot off above the Allegheny River on July 3. The displays drew thousands of people to the riverfronts in Tarentum and Brackenridge, along with countless others watching from the hill and their homes.

“If every household could give $5, that would be big,” Deiseroth said.

There are about 8,500 homes in Brackenridge, Harrison and Tarentum. The committee also plans to solicit donations from area businesses.

A September tip board, with prizes that included a gas fire pit, Stanley cooler and $400, sold out — giving the committee hope that the community will back its efforts.

Firefighter Nick Parise grew up in Tarentum and said he watched the fireworks from his front porch every year.

“You could see them perfectly,” he said. “It was definitely one thing I looked forward to every year.”

Auxiliary member Deanna Webb said similarly that “it’s not the Fourth without fireworks.”

“You spend all day swimming and grilling,” she said. “It’s the perfect way to end the holiday.”