The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce has accepted the request from Bob Van Diest to organize fireworks on July 2 to recognize Van Diest Supply Company’s 60 years in business.

Chamber Director Deb Brown said, “It is Mr. Van Deist’s wish that the fireworks be hosted in a location where the entire Webster City community can easily access the fireworks for viewing as a way to say thank you to the community that has been a part of Van Diest Supply Company for the past 60 years.”

The Webster City High School ball diamonds area has been chosen for the shoot area and all three diamonds will be blocked off in order to maintain the safety of the viewers.

“We’re excited to have fireworks on Saturday, July 2 right here in town. We chose the location for the safety factor and because it provides a great place to view the show. The Chamber and its members are happy to celebrate 60 years with the Van Diest Supply Company,” said Brown.

The practice football field will be the best location to bring your lawn chairs and set up for a night time fireworks watch. The fun will start promptly at 10 pm on July 2. Premier Pyrotechnics is the company that will be doing the fireworks show and was chosen for their years of experience, safety record and excellence of showmanship.

Van Diest Supply Company was started in 1956 by Bob Van Diest as a sideline to his grain and livestock farming operation. During the first several years of operation, Van Diest sold agricultural fertilizer to his own farm and to friends and neighbors. Van Diest saved money on his own fertilizer needs and provided his friends and neighbors a savings on their fertilizer.

Bob Van Diest was married in 1959, and his wife, Mary, became active in the business and was a big help with accounting. The business was operated from a small office in the Van Diest home, and business was often times transacted over coffee around the kitchen table. When Bob was in the field farming, Mary would answer the phone, take orders and wait on customers. The warehouse was in the corn crib alley.

Business has grown over the last 60 years. Today Van Diest Supply Company main office has expanded to nearly 7,000 square feet and now employs over 700 Team Members, has 52 buildings on approximately 270 acres at Webster City, Iowa and sixteen outlying distribution centers located across the Midwest.