RIPON – Based on the early reviews, the City of Ripon’s Fourth of July celebration was a success.

Elected leaders on Tuesday were still abuzz over the community-wide event capped off by an impressive fireworks show from Ripon High’s Stouffer Field.

“What made it successful was that everybody chipped in – the (Ripon Unified) school district, fire department, police, the city and city staff,” Mayor Elden ‘Red’ Nutt said at Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting.

He also acknowledged his colleague, Dean Uecker, for bringing the fireworks spectacular back to downtown Ripon. Prior to that, the Independence Day celebration was held at Mistlin Sports Park.

“It was great to have fireworks back in town after three years,” Councilman Charlie Gay added.

He noticed 100 people or so having a block party while enjoying the pyrotechnic show in the skies from the comforts of their home.

“During the grand finale, you could hear everyone clapping and yelling,” Gay said.

Councilman Chuck Winn also noticed plenty enthusiasm from the folks gathered along the Fulton Street overcrossing.

“We were there to watch the fireworks from over the freeway (overpass),” he said.

Winn was mayor when Uecker made the suggestion to bring back the fireworks to downtown, Nutt recalled.

“(Winn) appointed Dean and me to the fireworks committee,” said Nutt.

Uecker noted that the committee came in hoping to raise at least $25,000. “The money is still coming in but it looks as if we’ve exceeded that goal,” he said.

Council believed that the events of the day kept many residents at home. As a result, many of the non-profit firework booths benefited, according to Uecker.

“The VFW booth doubled in sales from the previous year,” he said.

Except for the hot weather, Ripon had a Fourth of July to remember.

“It could’ve been cooler,” said Uecker, who also thanked the community for the support.