Greenville fireworks display gets sponsor

LOCATION: Greenville, USA

DATE: Monday, April 12, 2010

BY: The Daily Reflector

 

DETAILS: A local car dealer has made sure the brakes will not be put on the annual fireworks display at the Town Common this year.

Hastings Ford contacted the Greenville Jaycees at the beginning of April to offer $6,000 to pay for the show, Jaycees President Jon Pierce said.

"We can't have Greenville without fireworks," Herbert Powell, general manager of Hastings Ford, said last week.

The Jaycees received the sponsorship offer with enough time to contract for a display with Zambelli Fireworks, as they have in previous years. It's not the first time the dealership has sponsored the event, though Hastings was unable to donate last year.

"Business has been extremely tough," Powell said. "We've come out of things without any bailout money. ... Sales were up last month, and we want to give back to the community."

Pierce said his organization was relieved at the news, and the Jaycees are preparing for the Fourth of July by contacting vendors and applying for permits.

"We can now focus on getting everything rolling," Pierce said.

The Jaycees still will have to provide the entertainment, portable toilets and other event features.

Greenville Recreation and Parks estimates that the fireworks display attracts about 20,000 people. The annual celebration began about 30 years ago.