What should they name this year's fireworks show?
Businesses and individuals rallied to save the city's last remaining Independence Day fireworks last week after nonprofit production company One Reel announced it could not find a title sponsor to fund it.
That left One Reel with an interesting challenge: figuring out how to recognize the more than 100 donors who raised $500,000 so quickly, it led Mayor Mike McGinn to proclaim Friday "The Day the People Saved the Fireworks."
The pressure's on. With so many people and businesses invested in the event -- not to mention the flurry of media coverage and the mayor's proclamation -- the fireworks show over Lake Union is bound to draw more public attention -- and scrutiny -- than it has in years.
It's typically named after a single title sponsor: WaMu Family Fourth, Chase Family Fourth, etc. This year, it could be "Family Fourth," "Seattle Family Fourth" or something else entirely.
Figuring out the name is just the beginning.
"We recognize this event is different. It's going to be different from start to finish," said One Reel spokeswoman Mikhael Mei Williams. "We know it's going to be one of the best events ever."
The nonprofit wants to ensure the event show gratitude to everyone who helped save the show, Williams said. That includes not only Starbucks and Microsoft, which donated $125,000 each, but the dozens of businesses that contributed $1,000 or $5,000 and the roughly 150 individuals who donated amounts under $1,000 online.
Since the pledges were technically donations, not sponsorships, none of the contributors -- not even Microsoft or Starbucks -- could claim promotional space at the event.
Just that is a big change for an event long been funded by one sponsor with deep pockets.
"I hope all the people that were part of it get some kind of recognition," said Libby Denkmann, producer of "The Dave Ross" show on KIRO FM, which kicked off the grassroots fundraising drive. "Dave talks about jokingly building a monument."
Whatever One Reel plans for this year's event, next year's presents the bigger challenge. Rescuing the fireworks show brought the city together. Rescuing it twice could get old.
If securing a title sponsor in 2011 is as hard as it was in 2010, One Reel needs alternatives. Knowing Seattle values the show enough to save it, Williams said, has given the nonprofit more reason to explore them.
"It's a huge lesson learned," Williams said. "We just don't know exactly how it's going to translate."
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Posted by Panzo at 4/5/2010 6:41 p.m.
How about the "Be Sure To Get The Complete List Of Advertisers At The Main Gate Family Forth"?
Posted by TwoTired00 at 4/5/2010 10:06 p.m.
The Pacific Northwest Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration - Apalo Anton Ohno Olympic Tribute 2010. And put him in the first Corvette in the Torchlight Parade. The guy earned it.
Posted by jim5car at 4/5/2010 11:06 p.m.
Interesting that Mayor McGinn had to ride someone else's coattails to find something to celebrate...
Posted by OnceaKnight at 4/6/2010 9:33 a.m.
Name it the "Thank You, Tom Douglas and Friends" Fireworks Show.
Posted by Lonesome at 4/6/2010 4:17 p.m.
Well TeaBag what you need to do is maybe take some time and volenter at some of the charitys that are in the area.. I will not beable to see the show and then again as I have moved out of state I can not realy comment on the time and such of the show.. However
I do know traffic is allways a mess afterwards I recall
more of Ivars Show but that is no longer I hear.. but when ever there is a free show be it fireworks or concert ect there are allways some folks who will never behave and make for folks not realy willing to put shows on.. I just hope that it is a nice warm night and every one makes it home safe.. And big kudos to the folks who helped with there wallets!
posted by Skyart at
7:28 PM
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