Unsung heroes of Red, White & BOOM!
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — While fireworks probably come to mind first when people think about Red, White & BOOM!, there's quite a bit of behind-the-scenes work that makes the event possible, including some tasks that many probably don't think about as much.
“It should be fun,” The Open Shelter Resource Development Coordinator Harry Yeprem said. “I usually come to Red, White & BOOM! as a spectator every year, so this is going to be interesting being on the other side.”
The people who will serve drinks at some of the beer trailers will be volunteers from The Open Shelter. The organization helps central Ohioans dealing with homelessness; 15% of the proceeds at those trailers and any tips will support the work they do, according to Yeprem. It's The Open Shelter's first year working with Red, White & BOOM!.
“One of the things we say at The Open Shelter is it takes everybody to help our guests, to help our staff, it takes all of us, we’re all in this together, and it's the same thing at Red, White & BOOM!” The Open Shelter Director Sheli Mathias said.
Bathrooms are also an essential part of the event. That's where Rent-A-John Portable Sanitation plays a part.
"Whether it's a soccer tournament, whether it's Red, White & BOOM!, whether it's a big stadium concert at Ohio Stadium, we need temporary restroom facilities to be able to do anything and everything we have to do, but also the things we want to do," Rent-A-John Portable Sanitation General Manager Tony Cain said.
The company has been working with Red, White & BOOM! since the 1980s, Cain said. He said between single units, ADA units, and units with multiple stalls, they've set up 114 total temporary restroom stalls for the event. He also said that does not include the walkthrough urinals.
“Just like everything else, it's got its days,” Cain said. “Obviously, we’re dealing with things most people want to forget about after they’re done doing it, but we get to be part of big events like this in the city of Columbus and we get to provide an essential service that we just can't go without.”
More behind-the-scenes work takes place as soon as the fireworks end; cleanup happens overnight.