Hell’s Gate fireworks: A Tradition Born From Community
Story by Mary Hill | Photos by Shawn Gibson ©
The Hell’s Gate fireworks show, an event conducted by the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, has evolved from a local tradition into a massive Texas destination drawing thousands – and this year, on America’s 250th anniversary, the community-led team is designing its most spectacular show yet.
Fourth of July fireworks have been a tradition at Camp Constantin and Possum Kingdome Lake since 1960, but the Hell’s Gate show truly changed the game.
Starting in 1971, the Hell’s Gate fireworks tradition was founded by residents dedicated to the PK community. A 1972 Wichita Falls Times newspaper article confirms the second annual party was conducted by Gene and Dee Chambers at their 1021 Oak Hill location, with local Villa Marina owners Bobby and Carole Martin joining the couple in 1973.
As a Wichita Falls businessman and Brazos River Authority board member, Gene Chambers spearheaded this tradition. Beyond fireworks, the early celebrations were packed with events, including boat parades, ski shows and skydiving. The article also mentioned guests arriving by seaplane and even a wedding on the “party dock” near Hell’s Gate.
“This was a show funded by the people,” Martin said. “We never had any trouble raising money.”
Before 1979, the celebration was a grassroots effort, with no professional pyrotechnic companies involved. Residents transported heavy fireworks cannons via boat and hauled them up the steep limestone cliffs of Devil’s Island. Those early strenuous efforts were led by young men such as PK’s David Martin, Tad Trout of Fort Worth and Ron Jackson of Wichita Falls, with Martin and Jackson admitting they lasted just one year before getting their fill of adventure.
PK security patrolman W.H. “Lucky” Bramlett assisted these local teams in igniting the show, but in 1979 the show changed forever. According to Chambers, professional fireworks shooters took over, promising an “unusual” display lasting more than an hour and accompanied by water skiing and skydiving events.
After Chambers passed the torch in 1985, Jackson took over the PK Lake fireworks coordination for 1986. When costs exceeded his $5,000 budget, Jackson recruited local supporters to fund the difference. He borrowed a work boat from Roy Davis of Bluff Creek Marina to transport materials to Devil’s Island, where he and his crew, along with Bramlett, hauled the equipment up the cliffs.
On the night of the show, while playing host to a party at his Gaines Bend home on Pecan Ridge, Jackson coordinated the spectacular display via walkie-talkie with Bramlett’s team on the island.
“It went great,” Jackson said. “The next morning we had to get up, get the work boat, climb the mountain, bring down everything and dispose of it. It was rough, and I only did it one time.”
The PK Chamber of Commerce has conducted this iconic event since 1987, and this year, after 38 years of refining the tradition, the team is preparing for its best show yet. Executive director Staci Williams and Hell’s Gate fireworks chairperson Justin Burney are working closely to ensure every detail is covered, from security permits and managing traffic to stationing on-site EMTs. A massive 30-by-40-foot sponsor banner will once again adorn the cliff line, a feat made possible through the continued support of local dock builder Thomasson Construction.
A recent and cost-effective safety measure involves a custom three-part barge constructed by local builder Todd Burns. This versatile structure serves as an ideal launchpad for large cannon shells while doubling as a stage for community events throughout the year, and it’s that dual-use aspect that makes Williams and Burney particularly proud.
A partnership with the YMCA also has expanded public access to the fireworks show, with viewing attendance reaching up to 35,000 people, Williams said.
“The most exciting part for me is to manage the countdown for launch,” she said. “I know that it will happen with or without my countdown, but it does give a great sense of power when the fireworks start on your command. Last year Justin handled the countdown and was able to experience the thrill.”
Burney likened the process to a “small-scale demolition,” noting that the team conducts comprehensive checks of the barge, and the pyrotechnic and EMS crews, before the final countdown. Safety is the primary concern, and the partnership with Rushing’s Pyrotechnics helps to ensure a show that is as safe as it is spectacular.
The night reaches its peak with the iconic waterfall of lights that is affectionately dubbed a “Jim Bittle original.” As the mastermind behind the previous display company, Bittle perfected the stunning “water on fire” effect. This light show, paired with a soundtrack broadcast from Graham’s KBLY-FM 100.5, remains one of the most anticipated moments of the show.
Beyond this signature event, the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting the community by providing funding for scholarships, the Charlie’s Angels meal-delivery service, and the PK Volunteer Fire Department.
The fireworks show is the organization’s largest expenditure, so fundraising is crucial. Because hotel taxes cannot be used for fireworks, the event relies entirely on sponsorships and private donations, all of which are tax-deductible. For more information, visit the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce website https://www.possumkingdomlake.com/.
