A local businessman is planning a public fireworks display Saturday night in Unity.
Marcus Wisneski’s show, “Here Comes the Boom,” is set for about 8:30 p.m. at Latrobe Speedway, during a break in the Night of Thunder dirt track racing.
“We want to shoot off before they do their feature races for the night,” Wisneski said.
He presented a similar display on Independence Day last summer at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds, but he intends this year’s show to be bigger.
“I’m not into it to make any money,” said Wisneski, who operates a waste collection service in Unity. “It’s a hobby I enjoy doing. Every year it seems to get a little bit better.
“I just want to give back to the people.”
He expressed hope that this year’s display will help offset some of the sadness people may feel remembering the 9/11 terror attacks two decades ago.
“Last year, it was celebrating the Fourth of July,” he said. “This year, we’re not celebrating but remembering 9/11. Instead of being sad, I want to give joy to the people.”
According to Wisneski, the fireworks should be visible for free in several surrounding communities, including Pleasant Unity, Whitney and Hostetter.
He said he wants spectators to “walk away saying ‘wow.’ If I didn’t give you a ‘wow’ moment, I didn’t do a good job.”
For those who want to have a front row seat and check out the races, gates open at 5 p.m. at the speedway, with racing set to start at 7 p.m.
Planned events include BRP Series Big Block Modified races and a 4-cylinder Hot Summer Night Series No. 3 make-up race.
Admission to the speedway is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and military members and $12 for ages 7-11. There is a pit fee of $35 for adults, $20 for age 15 or younger.
Visit latrobemotorsports.com/dirttrack for more information about speedway events.
