Don Lantis has been lighting up Haymarket Park’s sky for 23 years and counting.
Friday night fireworks have been a staple at Lincoln Saltdogs games since their inaugural year in 2001 thanks to 83-year-old Don.
Don’s fascination with fireworks comes from his father, Merle Lantis, who started selling fireworks in 1945. About 40 years ago, Don took over the business, Lantis Fireworks, which he now runs with his son, Rod Lantis, in North Sioux City, South Dakota.
“The whole summer always revolved around the fireworks business when I was growing up,†Rod said. “I have a lot of memories of shooting a lot of fireworks off as a kid.â€
There’s no such thing as a Fourth of July off for the two who fill their summer months running Lantis Fireworks and setting up displays. This year, Don will run the stand and prepare for Friday’s game when the Saltdogs take on Sioux Falls.
For each display, Don and Rod carefully curate a new show by going to their pyrotechnic bunker and choosing fireworks for a unique show for Saltdogs fans.
“I never have the same display,†Don said. “There’s something different in each display.â€
The father-son duo, and their team of four, arrive hours before each Friday game to set up the show. The fireworks are shot in a southeast lot behind the Haymarket Park scoreboard.
“It’s pretty easy. We’ve done it so many times now we’ve got it down to almost a science,†Rod said. “Then we have a lot of sitting around and waiting for the game.â€
For each show, they bring an average of five firework cakes to spread out within the parking lot. A firework cake shoots multiple shots while only being lit once. In addition, they’ll light about 125 shells ranging in different sizes.
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“The cakes are what make the show,†Don said. “Sometimes I go a little crazy, but I want people to enjoy the show.â€
All of the fireworks are lit electronically, allowing crew members to be up to 1,000 feet away from the display. Each firework cake and shell has an electric match wired to a field module with a firing panel where fireworks are sorted into certain queues.
The shows last about 10 minutes and Saltdogs General Manager Shane Tritz said he loves getting to hear the “ooh’s and ahh’s†of the crowd.
“People love it. It’s a reason people come to Friday games,†Tritz said. “It’s kind of capped off like the icing on the cake, fireworks to end the night.â€
Before Lincoln, Don was responsible for the firework displays at the Sioux City Explorers baseball games where he worked with the general manager, Tim Utrup. In 2000, Utrup moved to Lincoln where he would become the first general manager for the Saltdogs. Along with Utrup came Don and his infamous fireworks display.
While Don worked for the Explorers, Tritz was also working various positions for the Sioux City baseball team. Growing up in the area, Tritz has fond memories of visiting the Lantis firework stand. He describes Don as a “quality individual who would do anything for anyone.â€
“I’ve known Don as a friend, I’ve worked with Don in Sioux City and now I’m working with Don here in Lincoln to shoot fireworks for the Saltdogs,†Tritz said.
In addition to Lantis Fireworks, Don ran a plumbing supply business for 50 years. When his wife was diagnosed with cancer, he had to choose between the two careers. It was an easy choice for the firework fanatic.
“My father started it, I don’t want to quit. Since he started it, I’d like to keep it going,†Don said.
Even after suffering a stroke, Don still tries to come to as many games as possible. He told his wife this would be his last year, but he knows he won’t stop anytime soon.
“I’m only 83,†Don said. “Someday I’ll retire.â€
Photos: Lincoln Saltdogs host Lake Country at Haymarket Park — June 6
Former Lincoln Saltdogs player Justin Byrd fist-bumps kids after signing hats, bats and balls during the fireworks display after the game in August 2021 at Haymarket Park. The display is a Friday night staple for the games.
Don Lantis (from left) watches as crew members Tom Zwiebel, Benet Embrey and Connor McReynolds prepare for a fireworks show outside of Haymarket Park on June 21. Don, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, still helps set up shows but is unable to work as much as the others. He enjoys staying involved in the process.
As the sun sets, Rod Lantis (left) and Tom Zwiebel prepare the fuses of fireworks before an evening show for the Lincoln Saltodgs outside of Haymarket Park.