The Firecrackers will be back in Rupp Arena for Saturday's halftime show. (Vicky Graff Photo)
The Firecrackers go … BOOM. Some advice if you are going to the game at Rupp Arena on Saturday. Make sure you are in the ice cream line prior to tipoff or before halftime. It is important to be in your seat at halftime when the Firecrackers sizzle on the floor at Rupp.
It has been a couple of years since the Firecrackers have performed in Lexington. COVID and weather canceled quite a few performances over the past five years but Saturday at halftime of the Kentucky-Tennessee game they will take the floor and you don’t want to miss a second of it.
I have watched videos and read stories about the Firecrackers for years but Saturday will be my first time to see them perform live. Yes, I am excited.
The Firecrackers came into existence in 1991 and the home base is the Kings Mill School District in Kings Mill, Ohio. Most of you will recognize the area because it is located near Kings Island just north of Cincinnati.
What does it take to be a Firecracker? Anyone enrolled in the 3rd-8th grade is invited to try out. Clinics are held every year prior to tryouts where the older members will assist the younger ones in perfecting their jump roping skills in hopes of securing a spot on the team.
How much time is invested? The Firecrackers practice six days a week for two hours a day. The first four months are spent “perfecting” their routine. According to coach Lynne Kelly, “I explain to the team the first four months are ‘guts’ and the following four months are the glory.”
The team travels to area schools, universities, and NBA arenas entertaining the crowd during sporting events.
“Rupp Arena is the favorite of the team,” Kelley said. “I take them up to the concourse and they are treated like rock stars. Fans stop to take pictures with them and there are always smiles everywhere. They feel so appreciated when we perform there.”
When I was 10 years old I could barely play hopscotch and cannot imagine the time and dedication it takes to perfect their skills. I was lucky to jump five times with others holding the rope. They don’t miss a beat and handle jump ropes like Oscar Tshiebwe handles rebounds … flawless.
If you can’t be at the game on Saturday google Firecrackers, Kings Mill, and enjoy.
If you are going to the game you will be impressed. I know I will be glued to my seat!
