Temperatures barely cooled as darkness settled in over Effingham County High School on Saturday, but that did little to defuse the spirits of the crowd that turned out for Springfield’s annual fireworks show.

The show lasted 17 minutes as vehicles filled the parking lot on a night lit by a half moon. And those who watched were thankful that the city was able to pull together enough donations to stage the show.  

“I appreciate the donations,” said Christopher Pace. “This is something we’ve come to several times, especially my little nephew. It’s nice to have something in this area to come see.”

Pace said the Springfield show is on par with the display Statesboro and Bulloch County stage at Mill Creek Park — and it’s closer to home.

“It’s nice to have one here that’s just as good.”

The city considered not staging the fireworks show this year unless it got help in defraying the costs. The show usually costs around $15,000.

Lee Kyle and his family have coming to the fireworks for the last five years and said they were definitely glad it was being staged again.

“It’s a real big event,” he said. “People from all over come, even from Savannah. It’s definitely a good thing for the kids.”

Newcomers also enjoyed the show and waited patiently on a steamy Saturday night. James Fisher and his family from Springfield were attending the fireworks show for the first time.

“It’s good they have it,” he said. “It gives the kids something to do.”