Fireworks display a go for Independence Day

Location of fireworks display:Morgan Hill Community Park
City: Morgan Hill
State:CA
Date: 4th July
Show contact:408) 79-1776
Event website:
Fireworks display company:Independence Day Inc.,

Details: The fireworks are on for this year's Independence Day celebration, after months of fundraising efforts by event organizers who worried that the city's inability to contribute its usual share of donations, and the tight economic situation overall, would eliminate a favorite attribute of Morgan Hill's holiday festivities.Annual Independence Day events in Morgan Hill which consist of the biggest Fourth of July parade in Santa Clara County, a downtown street dance, a car show and fireworks are organized Independence Day Inc., a nonprofit organization.All this year's events will go as scheduled, even though IDI is still in need of thousands of dollars in donations, as well as volunteer assistance, according to IDI President Brigitte Heiser."I have personally signed the fireworks contract," Heiser said, assuring revelers they will get to enjoy the usual pyrotechnic extravaganza they are used to on the evening of July 4 at Morgan Hill Community Park.And it will be the "full-blown fireworks show, with no caveats," added IDI fundraising chair Rich Gamboa. "We've had a favorable fundraising experience with the businesses and individuals in town," he added, though more is needed for other events on the holiday weekend calendar.With the struggling economy this year, IDI had more difficulty than usual setting up the events. The city of Morgan Hill, facing its own revenue shortfalls, cut the $11,000 seed money it usually donates in January.Independence Day organizers are still seeking donations to pay down their own working deficit, and will continue to do so up until the holiday, Heiser said.The organization has so far raised "in the area of $20,000" for the events, "Which is not where we need to be," Heiser said. The group recently sent out personal donation request letters to the city's residents, and some large sponsors have kicked in substantial contributions."The community has really stepped up," noted Heiser, adding that in the past the organization has continued to receive donations even after the holiday."A lot of contributors see the fireworks and the parade, and they realize what a gift they've been given," Heiser said.And despite the shortfall of funds, parade organizers promise the city's flagship Independence Day event will be as big as usual."We have a lot of new entries that people haven't seen before, and some surprises for the spectators," said IDI parade committee chair Bob Hunt.This year's parade will feature about 150 entries. The grand marshal is former mayor Dennis Kennedy, Hunt said.The parade committee has scaled back its budget due to the lack of funds. Having raised about $6,300 so far this year, organizers expect the parade to cost about $23,000. And that had to be revised downward from an initial budget of $34,000, Hunt said.Furthermore, the parade is almost entirely conducted by volunteers, and Hunt noted that volunteer help is still needed.MH Independence Day schedule of eventsJune 26 - Firecracker Golf Classic - Eagle Ridge July 3 - 6 p.m. Patriotic Sing - Britton SchoolJuly 3 - 7 p.m. Street Dance - Downtown Morgan HillJuly 4 - 7:45 a.m. 5K Race/Walk - Parade RouteJuly 4 - 9 a.m. Liberty Parade CruiseJuly 4 - 9 a.m. Pre-Parade EntertainmentJuly 4 - 10 a.m. ParadeJuly 4 - Liberty Car ShowJuly 4 - Fireworks To send donations, volunteer or contact: Independence Day Incorporated, P.O. Box 1776, Morgan Hill, CA 95038; Parade committee (408) 79-1776; www.mhidi.com