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.

They're 4th coming!

LOCATION: PORTLAND

DATE: Apr 10th

BY:  David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com

 

DETAILS: PORTLAND — The patriotic extravaganza that is Portland's Fourth of July fireworks display, in danger of being silenced by the economic downturn, has been rescued by a group of local businessmen.

When Jon Jennings learned that the $45,000 display was being cut from the city's budget for the coming year, he started working the phones.

"I think it's safe to say all of us who are involved believe the Fourth, the fireworks and particularly the civic engagement is so important to a city like Portland, there was no way we were not going to step up and make sure it happened," said Jennings, president and general manager of the Maine Red Claws NBA Development League basketball team.

"Joining in the effort to rescue the fireworks -- and the regionwide celebration that rallies around them -- are Jack Quirk, owner of Quirk Chevrolet, Michael Dubyak, chairman and chief executive officer of Wright Express, and Richard Connor, chief executive officer of MaineToday Media.

"The first one to suggest we get involved in saving the city's fireworks was Executive Editor Scott Wasser," said Connor, whose MaineToday Media publishes The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal and Waterville Sentinel daily newspapers, the weekly Coastal Journal in Bath and their respective Web sites.

Serendipity struck the same day when Jon Jennings phoned to ask for our help. He and the Red Claws deserve all the credit for putting this together."

Connor said newspapers have a special affinity for the Fourth of July.

"A newspaper stands for everything that is American, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, free enterprise and just plain freedom. Fourth of July and the accompanying fireworks are about as American as you can get," he said. "Saving this for the city and its people was just something we had to do."

Dubyak said Wright Express welcomes the opportunity to help out when it can.

"For families it's a tradition to celebrate, from a patriotic standpoint, the independence of our country. It's something everybody looks forward to every year," he said.

"It's a wonderful tradition and if it can be sustained, we're going to do it," he said.

Quirk said he, like many Americans, has fond memories of the Fourth of July fireworks.

"Ever since I was a kid, my parents would take me and my four brothers to the fireworks and when I had kids, I took my kids to the fireworks," he said. "It's a tradition and it's part of our heritage."

The least we can do, Quirk said, "is celebrate our independence and freedom," while family, friends and employees are fighting overseas.

Jennings recalls his family setting up for the Fourth on Roosevelt Hill in Richmond, Ind., where he grew up.

"I remember laying on the ground watching the fireworks, taking sheer delight that they were scaring my little sister out of her mind," he said, chuckling.

Jennings said the businesses will continue to work with the city to make sure the fireworks display is not in doubt again.

The fireworks and daylong festivities that precede them draw thousands of people to the Eastern Promenade. The spectacular display draws onlookers to vantage points in Falmouth and South Portland as well as Portland.

City spokeswoman Nicole Clegg said it is remarkable that the private sector effort came together within a week of the budget presentation.

"We're thrilled this was worked out," she said.

Vanessa Ainsworth was raised on Munjoy Hill and was flabbergasted when she heard the display was being canceled.

"It's a huge deal. It's pretty much the only thing I have to look forward to in the summer," Ainsworth said, as she enjoyed Saturday's late-afternoon sunshine on the grassy Eastern Prom overlooking Casco Bay.

News that the show would go on came as a tremendous relief, she said.

"It's not just the fireworks," she said. "It's like everybody comes together for one big backyard barbecue on the hill."

 

 

 

Fireworks will light up the Fourth

LOCATION: The Livingston County,USA

DATE: April 11, 2010

BY: Livingston Daily.com

 

DETAILS: The Livingston County Area Fireworks Committee was able to reach its fundraising goal for this summer's Fourth of July fireworks display in Fowlerville when Tenpenny Furniture in Genoa Township stepped up to become a sponsor of the annual event.

Last month, the committee reported it had gathered less than half of the $10,000 needed to put on its annual fireworks show.

"Every year, we struggle to get enough money to put on a fireworks show," Steve MacDermaid, a member of the Fowlerville Rotary Club, which works closely with the committee's fundraising efforts, told the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus in March. "We lack the ability to find a major sponsor for the fireworks."

The fireworks display is one of two public displays in Livingston County held July 4. The community of Gregory in Unadilla Township also launches fireworks on the Fourth. In the past, Kensington Metropark hosted fireworks on Independence Day, but last year changed its display to June 12, near Flag Day.

Despite its annual difficulty in fund-raising, the committee, formerly known as the Fowlerville Fireworks Committee, has pushed to keep presenting the fireworks. Not only has the committee persevered in putting on the display, but its recent name change reflects plans to expand the event beyond just fireworks.

Last year, the Fourth of July event included a silent auction, the Taste of Fowlerville, a farmers' market and parade, among other attractions. Organizers would like to keep those type of events, and add paid entertainers to the lineup.

"We'd like to be able to compensate people for coming out and doing this," Peg Ogden, a member of the fireworks committee, said last month. "And we need money to pay people for the entertainment."

Part of the difficulty in expanding the event is that organizers often begin the day well shy of the thousands of dollars needed to pay for the fireworks show and the insurance to cover it, which doesn't include any other costs associated with the event, according to MacDermaid.

 

 

What should they name this year's fireworks show?

LOCATION: Seattle

DATE: April 5, 2010 5:53 p.m.

BY: Monica Guzman

 

DETAILS: Seattle will have its Fourth of July fireworks show. But what are they going to call it?

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."

Close

de.licio.us

Digg

Facebook

Newsvine

Reddit

StumbleUpon

Google Bookmarks

Yahoo MyWeb

Twitter

Posted by Monica Guzman at April 5, 2010 5:53 p.m.
Categories: Local News, More to the story

Comments

#496551

Posted by N47 W122 at 4/5/2010 6:27 p.m.

Phil Gramm

Report violation

#496561

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"?

Report violation

#496588

Posted by Mr. J at 4/5/2010 7:24 p.m.

How about: "The Seattle 4th of July Fireworks Celebration"

Nice and to the point.

Put the list of sponsors below the title, in smaller print with a big "Thank You" to them.

Let's commercialize things less.

Report violation

#496642

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.

Report violation

#496651

Posted by Ospray at 4/5/2010 10:35 p.m.

How about "The 2010 Seattle Big Bang"?

Report violation

#496665

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...

Report violation

#496688

Posted by me em at 4/6/2010 12:46 a.m.

How about, "The Grassroots Family Fourth"? "The People's Fourth of July Fireworks"? Or "The Community's Family Fourth"?

Even though I don't know who all the donors are, the thanks of myself and many others go out to them. Thank you so much!

Report violation

#496865

Posted by Marine Vet at 4/6/2010 8:28 a.m.

To be honest, I never knew it had a name. We always referred to it as "the Lake Union Fireworks" and probably still will. Very cool that the community came together to save the show and celebrate our country.

Report violation

#496873

Posted by Andrea James at 4/6/2010 8:36 a.m.

LOL. Panzo FTW.

Report violation

#496916

Posted by OnceaKnight at 4/6/2010 9:33 a.m.

Name it the "Thank You, Tom Douglas and Friends" Fireworks Show.

Report violation

#496933

Posted by Teabag at 4/6/2010 9:54 a.m.

Most citizens have no idea how many problems are associated with the Fourth of July Fireworks (20 minutes)and the cost to the city for repairs, clean up and security for this events. This money raised will not go that those expensives.
The money should go to a more just cause!

Too expensive for a 20 minute show...

Report violation

#496956

Posted by Belltowngirl at 4/6/2010 10:23 a.m.

@Teabag - get a life!

Report violation

#496978

Posted by King Rat at 4/6/2010 10:46 a.m.

I think we should use a local charity in the name. If we're gonna raise $500,000 for pretty lights, but cut social services, the least we could do is use the name to highlight the non-profits and agencies that are struggling and give them some promotion.

Millionair Club Family 4th
The ROOTS 4th Fireworks
Treehouse Fireworks Show
The Lake Union Fireworks (featuring Lifelong AIDS Alliance)

Report violation

#497058

Posted by kanth7 at 4/6/2010 12:01 p.m.

Seattle Community Fourth

Report violation

#497112

Posted by Teabag at 4/6/2010 12:47 p.m.

Yo Belltowngirl, I have a life thats why I don't need Fireworks to make my 4th of July. Try looking into what happens to the city the night of this event.
Crime goes way up.. DUIs, traffic accidents, rapes, theft, under age drinking and Lot of SHI_ left at Gas Works and Myrtle Edwards park.

Report violation

#497278

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!

Report violation

Donors save Seattle's Fourth of July fireworks

LOCATION: SEATTLE

DATE: Last updated April 2, 2010 10:15 a.m. PT

BY: KIRO-FM, http://mynorthwest.com/

 

DETAILS: SEATTLE -- A day after plans for Seattle's Fourth of July fireworks fizzled, the annual display is back on the calendar thanks to a burst of donations.

The nonprofit that organizes the show, One Reel, announced Friday it has reached the goal of $500,000 in pledges.

The campaign ignited spontaneously Thursday when restaurant owner and chef Tom Douglas pledged $5,000 on KIRO Radio's Dave Ross show and Ross added $1,000 of his own money.

A number of businesses phoned in pledges and Starbucks and Microsoft said they'd each match $125,000 in donations.

One Reel had lost major corporate sponsorship of the show that attracts tens of thousands of people to the shores of Lake Union and is considered a Seattle summer tradition.

Pssst, Seattle. We've got fireworks

LOCATION: Tacoma

DATE: COLE COSGROVE; Staff writer

BY: Published: 04/02/1012:05 am

 

DETAILS: While Seattle's Fourth of July fireworks display is in doubt, Tacoma's annual Freedom Fair fireworks show will go on, its lead booster said Thursday.

In fact, organizers hope to increase the size of Tacoma's display this year, said Doug Miller, president and CEO of the Tacoma Events Commission.

The organizers of Seattle's big July 4 show on the shores of Lake Union said Wednesday the event would not be staged in 2010 for lack of a major sponsor. By Thursday morning, Seattle citizens and businesses were pledging Thursday to save it, with Microsoft and Starbucks Corp. each promising to chip in as much as $125,000 to match other donations.

Miller said Seattle's show, presented by One Reel, was looking to replace a $500,000 sponsor. By comparison, he said, Freedom Fair thrives thanks to hundreds of smaller sponsors. It also collected more than $20,000 in donations from fairgoers last year, he said.

"The money we raise goes to presenting and producing a great event, and we're not paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries," he said.

Freedom Fair's budget includes money for one full-time equivalent employee, which is split between two people, he said.

"I take my hat off to the hundreds of volunteers over the years who helped us through the past 30 years. The volunteers will be the lifeblood of the future," Miller said.

Of the approximately $1 million total cost to put on Freedom Fair, everything that goes into producing the fireworks show costs about $100,000, Miller said.

Cash donations cover about $250,000 of Freedom Fair's cost, he said, while the rest comes from in-kind donations of goods and services.

The City of Tacoma contributes $30,000 cash, Miller said. It also donates the services of police, public works and other agencies.

Miller said he hopes to pack more booms into this summer's show by possibly adding a second barge on Commencement Bay.

"There should be two available," he said, referring to Seattle. "I've gotta start calling."

Cole Cosgrove: 253-597-8267

cole.cosgrove@thenewstribune.com

Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/02/1132510/pssst-seattle-weve-got-fireworks.html#ixzz0k1dkFHo2

 

Rifle hoping to raise funds for July fireworks show

LOCATION: Rifle

DATE:Thursday, April 1, 2010

BY: HEIDI RICE

DETAILS: RIFLE — If you were a little kid in Rifle in years past, you probably remember the fireman coming to your door and taking a ride on the big red fire truck.

It was an effort to raise money to put on a Fourth of July fireworks display in the city of Rifle.

But if you want to see a fireworks this year, you might want to contribute to the "Pass the Boot" campaign which is being held in conjunction with the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce to raise money to have fireworks this year.

For nearly 40 years, the Rifle Fire Department had the duty of raising money for the fireworks display, but stopped putting on fireworks in 2007 because it was no longer financially feasible, along with safety issues regarding the pyrotechnics involved.

"We used to raise money for the fireworks by going through the community door-to-door asking for donations and giving rides to kids on the fire trucks," said Fire Chief Mike Morgan. "We did that for about 40 years — it started in the '50s or '60s."

Even when Morgan joined the department in 1986, it was easy to cover the town in less than five evening.

"At that time we got 300-400 calls per year in the 1980s and '90s," he said. "Now we get 1200-1300 calls per hear and we don't have the people to cover it anymore."

The year 2007 was the last year the Rifle Fire Department raised money for the city fireworks, which has never previously been done with taxpayer's dollars.

In the past, firefighters used to go through the neighborhoods, knocking on doors to get donations for the fireworks and offering free rides on the fire trucks to the kids in return.

"We typically raised $9,000-$14,000," Morgan said.

The cost of the fireworks for this year is estimated at $18,000, with half of that already raised.

The Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce is hoping a campaign to raise funds for the fireworks will raise enough money to put on a show in July. So far, the chamber has kicked in $2,000, the city's Parks and Recreation Department another $2,0000 and $5,000 from the Visitor Improvement Fund.

"This would be for a 35 to 40 minute display," said Annick Pruett, CEO and president of the Rifle chamber at a workshop meeting with the city and other interested parties.

The chamber has hired a company called "Midnight Sun" to put on and promote the fireworks.

A "Bring Back the Boot" fan page on Facebook has even been established, along with a "Pass the Boot" money-raising campaign.

Mayor Keith Lambert suggested that even though the fire department doesn't put on the fire works display, that it might kick into the coffers along with others.

Morgan said that while the department did not have the personnel or the expertise to fundraiser and put on the fireworks, that might be on option.

"But it would be up to the (Rifle Area Fire Protection District) board," he said. "It's not that we won't help, but we can't be the one and only organization putting it all together."

Morgan pointed out that pyrotechnic technicians were essential in putting on firework displays and insurance companies were putting on the pressure.

"These (fireworks) don't hurt people — they can remove body parts," Morgan said.

When asked if the fire department could possibly contribute toward the funding of the fireworks display this year, Morgan said it would be up to the Rifle Fire District Board.

"I'd have to talk to the board about it," Morgan said. "It's not my decision. It's a very sensitive issue. But the bottom line is that we can't be the sole funding source. There's not tax dollars paying for it — it's fundraising and we don't have the manpower or the people to go knock on every door — it's just not feasible. "

Safety is another factor in the fire department's decision. While it has some people trained, they are not pyrotechnicians.

"We want to support what we can — what is safe and logical," Morgan said. "We want to help the chamber, but we just cannot be the lead agency anymore."

Fireworks a possibility in Lehigh on July 3

LOCATION:Lehigh

DATE: April 2, 2010

 

DATE: Lehigh is a freedom loving town and it deserves to celebrate that freedom with fireworks over the Fourth of July holidays, says Charlotte Rae Nicely, executive director of Lehigh Community Services today. She says the agency would like to do a "bang up" job to celebration America's birthday this year.

But to have a fireworks display in Lehigh, it takes money to pay for them and Rae has issued an appeal to area businesses and Chamber of Commerce members to become sponsors of such an event.

" To successfully do this we are asking for the business community's support. Too often our residents have to drive into Fort Myers or Cape Coral to view fireworks displays to celebrate the Fourth of July.

"Lehigh Acres is such a patriotic community that we need to celebrate our freedom right here in our own hometown," Rae said. "To do this Lehigh Community Services is asking for the support of local businesses."

Rae said in a email today to business leaders that her agency has been in contact with a professional pyrotechnic firm that has agreed to give the community a substantially discounted price for a fireworks display.

She said the fireworks would be on the night of Saturday, July 3 to get a reduced price. "Obviously the price break is great but we will also not be competing with other community celebrations. Lehigh Community Services already has plenty of daytime events planned for families to enjoy at Veterans Park; however, it sure would be great to end the day with a big band," she said.

She is asking locals to consider being a sponsor for the celebration. All of the sponsors for the

fireworks display will have advanced publicity in the local papers, prominent signage

at the event and on-stage recognition throughout the day of the event at Veterans Park, she said.

"Let's work together to give thanks for the freedom that we enjoy in this wonderful

country. This will be a day to thank our men and women in the military for providing us those freedoms," she said.

Local businesses can commit to being a "Big Banger" with a gift of $1,000; a "Big Shot" for a $500 donation or a "Firecracker" for a donation of $250.

Local firms that want to become sponsors should call Lehigh Community Services at

239-369-5818, email at lehighcommunityserivces@embarqmail.com.

Due to time constraints, Rae said commitments are needed no later than Friday, April 16.

Rae also attached a commitment form in her email to local Chamber members.

 

 

Aurora shuffles fireworks to July 2

LOCATION: AURORA

DATE: March 23, 2010
BY: ANDRE SALLES asalles@stmedianetwork.com

 

DETAILS: AURORA -- For the second year in a row, the city's Fourth of July fireworks will not take place on July 4.

In a memo sent last week to City Council members, Mayor Tom Weisner announced this year's fireworks display would be moved to Friday, July 2. According to Weisner, the move was made because not enough police officers accepted an offer of overtime to work on a Sunday holiday.

"A large number of police officers are required in a number of capacities ... to assist at the fireworks and provide routine services throughout the city," Weisner wrote.

When fireworks take place on weekdays, there are enough officers already on duty, but on weekends the ranks are thinner, he said.

Last year, the fireworks were moved to July 3, and according Weisner's assistant chief of staff, Chuck Nelson, it was the same police overtime issue that prompted the change. But, Nelson said, the mayor's office got several calls last year from people who were grateful for the move, because it freed up time over the weekend for holiday travel.

This year's celebration is expected to cost the same amount as last year's: about $35,000, according to Gina Moga, head of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

And just like last year, Aurora will partner with North Aurora for a joint fireworks display. The Independence Day bash will be held at the same location, on the grounds of the Illinois Math and Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic School.

The fireworks moved to their West Side location in 2007, after a three-year stint at Westfield Fox Valley Mall on the far East Side.

Cookoff sparks $1,900 toward fireworks show

LOCATION: Livingston County

DATE: March 23, 2010

 

DETAILS: Chili lovers got together in Fowlerville this month to rub elbows, please their palates and help make sure fireworks blast off in the community this year.

 

The newly formed Livingston County Area Fourth of July Fireworks Committee held its chili cookoff fundraiser March 9 at the Fowlerville Fire Department in Fowlerville. The event included food, music, a 50/50 drawing and door prizes. A representative from The Gold Chest was on site to make exchanges for gold jewelry, charms and other unwanted gold items.

Bruce Brown, a member of the fireworks committee, said the cookoff brought in $1,900. Prior to the cookoff, less than half of the $10,000 needed to put on the annual fireworks show had been raised.

Contributions are still needed. Anyone interested in making a contribution to the fund should make checks payable to Village of Fowlerville and write "4th of July" on the memo line. Mail checks to Peggy Ogden, 2700 N. Smith Road, Fowlerville, MI 48836.

Whitefish Chamber Tries to Salvage Fireworks Display

LOCATION: Whitefish City Beach

DATE: 03-21-10

BY: Myers Reece ,

 

DETAILS: Fireworks are important to almost any Fourth of July celebration. But in Whitefish, where thousands gather at city beach and along the shoreline for the big show each Independence Day, they're considered absolutely essential.

Kevin Gartland, executive director of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, said it's imperative for the city to continue its annual fireworks display at Whitefish Lake, even in the face of an uncertain fundraising outlook. The chamber is trying to raise $15,000 to put on the show.

Gartland expects most of the money to come from private donations. The chamber has already allocated $5,000 from a joint fund shared with the Stumptown Historical Society. That fund generates money from specialty license plate fees.

"It's going to take quite a bit of money to make this thing happen and we have a really short time frame," Gartland said. "We're looking for contributions of any shape and size, whether it's 20 bucks, 100 bucks or 500 bucks."

Whitefish Shines, the nonprofit group that previously spearheaded fundraising efforts for the fireworks display, announced it would no longer be able to fund the Fourth of July show. Tough economic times have been hard on the fundraising efforts of community groups throughout the Flathead.

Now that Kalispell and Columbia Falls no longer have fireworks displays, Gartland said Whitefish's is the only public show in the area. Last year, it cost $10,000 to put on the production. But Gartland said he wants to exceed that number to make the show more "spectacular."

"We hope to blow the lid off that number," Gartland said.

In addition to the July 4 show, the chamber is also hosting a benefit concert on July 2 at Grouse Mountain Lodge and a parade on July 3. A portion of proceeds from those two events will pay for fireworks. Also, Whitefish Christian Academy's annual three-day arts and crafts festival will be held July 2-4 at Depot Park.

Gartland said that although July seems a long ways off right now, it's actually a short time period to wrap up all of the loose ends for the celebration. The chamber needs to have a contract with a pyrotechnics company wrapped up soon. And by May 1 Gartland needs to know exactly how much money he's working with so the chamber can order the fireworks and begin planning.

About 3,000-4,000 spectators go to city beach to watch the fireworks display, Gartland said, and another couple thousand watch from elsewhere.

"If we didn't have (the display), we would have a really major void here in the valley in terms of the celebration of Independence Day. I can't imagine a Fourth of July without fireworks."

Fireworks saved in Tredyffrin

LOCATION: Tredyffrin

DATE: Sunday, March 21, 2010

BY: Blair Meadowcroft

 

DETAILS: By A long tradition in Tredyffrin Township will continue this summer thanks to some help from a local company.

At the Monday-night board of supervisors (BOS) meeting, Chairman Bob Lamina announced that funding for the July 4 fireworks display has been restored.

"I am very pleased to announce that through the generosity of the community in the spirit of public giving, Shire Pharmaceuticals has agreed to partner with the township for the funding of the fireworks display on July 4," said Lamina. "Funding for the fireworks had been canceled during the budget process and now thanks to Shire the funding is available."

In other news, Lamina announced: "This is David Brill's last meeting with us as finance director, and we thank you for providing counsel to the township over the years."

During the meeting Superintendent of Police Andrew Chambers gave the Annual Report for 2009 and was happy to report that the crime trends and analysis showed that crime in Tredyffrin is steadily decreasing. Accidents and traffic citations among other things were all down for 2009, as well as DUI arrests, which Chambers attributed to Tredyffrin being a well-known township for DUI enforcement. There was a noted increase in 911 calls but Chambers explained this was due to citizens being very engaged in what is going on in their neighborhoods and calling in suspicious persons and behavior such as doors being left open. At the end of the Annual Report, Chambers announced Russell Hittle as Officer of the Year for 2009.

In other news Public Works Director Steve Norcini announced that the township is looking into a possible refund from FEMA for weather-related expenses, and also pertaining to weather, the Public Works Department is continuing to work on patching and repairing the township's many potholes.

Updates on sidewalk-related projects included Steve Burgo's announcement that the sidewalk project around Conestoga High School and Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School has begun and that early action such as tree removal has been done to prepare for construction, which is set to start at the end of March and continue through September.

Also members were named to the Sidewalk Subcommittee, which consists of three members each from the BOS, Planning Commission and Sidewalks, Trails and Paths Committee. The purpose of creating a joint subcommittee is to "re-examine where the community wants and needs sidewalks, with a goal of adopting more formal policies and procedures relative to design, development and construction of sidewalks and paths in the township," according to the township Web site.

Another group that was recently formed was the Tredyffrin/Easttown Fire Task Force, which met Jan. 27. The fire-liaison meeting was held with the three local fire companies and another is scheduled for March 31. The purpose is for the fire companies to come together and agree on goals for the year.

Longview seeking sponsor for 4th of July fireworks display

LOCATION: Longview, USA

DATE: Posted: Mar 22, 2010 11:41 PM Updated: Mar 22, 2010 11:42 PM

BY: the League of Business Owners

 

DETAILS: The League of Business Owners will not sponsor or organize the 4^th of July fireworks display in the City of Longview this year.

For the past five years LOBO has taken on the responsibility of raising money through sponsorships to augment the City of Longview's $10,000 contribution. We have also provided a sponsor area, contracted with the Pyrotechnic Co., and worked with various city personnel to make sure the residents of Longview had a 4^th of July fireworks display to enjoy.

The League of Business Owners is unable to take this on in 2010 for many reasons, but we are willing to share our experience and contacts with another community group that may be interested in continuing this wonderful community project.

For any group seeking information, please contact: Kyle Smith at 903-452-0385 or ckylesmith@cablelynx.com

 

Comments   Carlos Figueroa Longview seeking sponsor for 4th of July fireworks display: More>> The League of Business Owners will not sponsor ... Yesterday, 1:35:52 – Flag – Like – Reply – Delete via Twitter Jessica Boyd Longview seeking sponsor for 4th of July fireworks display http://bit.ly/cdIJQ6 2 days ago, 23:48:01 – Flag – Like – Reply – Delete via Twitter

Pizarro: There will be fireworks after all in San Jose

LOCATION: San Jose America

DATE: Posted: 03/22/2010 02:00:51 PM PDT and Updated: 03/22/2010 09:03:04 PM PDT

BY:  Sal Pizarro spizarro@mercurynews.com

 

DETAILS: For the second year in a row, the San Jose Giants may make sure there's lots of boom for the Fourth of July. After hearing last week that the San Jose America Festival was again called off, team president Jim Weyermann started making some calls. He's tentatively lined up Comcast, radio station KRTY, San Jose State University and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to help stage a July 4 celebration at Municipal Stadium.

The Giants are out of town on the Fourth (and there were already fireworks scheduled for July 2 and 3), but Weyermann has a fun plan in mind.

KRTY would bring in a big-name artist for a country music concert at Muni, followed by a pyrotechnic display.

There would be a "low" admission price for the concert to help recoup some of the production costs, said Weyermann, who has not yet determined the cost.

And the fireworks show will be free for those watching outside the stadium on SJSU's adjacent fields (which will be open early so people can hear a broadcast of the concert). Happy Hollow also expects to have a special event for families during the day.

It's still in the planning stages, so details could change in the next three months, but Weyermann sounds confident that they'll all pull it off.

"There is no way that our city isn't going to celebrate the Fourth of July," said the baseball guy, who could wind up being drafted as a politician if he keeps making smart, popular decisions like this.

HISTORIC END: A two-week demolition is set to begin today at the historic Letcher's Garage building in downtown San Jose. Erected in 1906, the building has been on the endangered list for most of the past decade to make way for a Barry Swenson condo project.

The building, originally owned by Clarence Letcher, was remodeled and became the Oasis nightclub in the late 1980s. The club closed in 1996 after a patron was beaten to death there. In recent years, the site has been used as a youth center.

"We are very sorry to lose another piece of San Jose history," said Brian Grayson, interim executive director of the Preservation Action Council. "The story behind Letcher's Garage is a fascinating one and every time one of our historic buildings is demolished, we lose another part of the story that is San Jose."

And while preservationists lament the loss of this piece of San Jose lore, at least the dilapidated First Church of Christ, Scientist next door won't be demolished, too. Plans are to have the building seismically retrofitted and incorporated into the condo project.

Contact Sal Pizarro at spizarro@mercurynews.com or 408-627-0940.

 

City: Fireworks show canceled unless community pays

LOCATION: LOS ALAMITOS

DATE: March 16, 2010

BY: JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER

 

DETAILS: LOS ALAMITOS – The council is asking the community to pay $15,000 for the 4th of July Firework Spectacular or the show will be canceled.

Council members on Monday were torn on whether or not to fund the show, but budget constraints pushed the council to look to the community for support.

In a 4-1 vote, with Councilwoman Gerri Mejia abstaining, the council canceled the show but residents and businesses will have until April 15 to pledge donations. If the funds are raised, the show will be reinstated, city officials said.

The 4th of July Firework Spectacular at the Joint Forces Training Base has been held in the city for more than 20 years, drawing crowds of up to 20,000 people.

"We owe it to the community to let them know the 4th of July is in jeopardy ... and maybe they will rally around it," Mayor Marilyn Poe said.

The council is facing a nearly $600,000 budget shortfall this year and Councilman Troy Edgar said the city may have to offset as much as $1 million in 2010-11. He said he couldn't justify spending nearly $15,000 when cuts are being made to people and services.

"Our staff took 10 percent pay cut but (we're thinking about) spending this," he said. "I'm concerned about the message that sends to staff."

The city last year spent $9,600 on the show. The total cost of the show last year was about $19,000 but Cypress co-sponsors the event and picks up half of the tab. The city also solicits donations from Seal Beach, Rossmoor and various businesses to cover costs.

This year, however, costs would increase significantly because the holiday falls on a Sunday and city workers would have to be paid double time, said Director of Recreation and Community Services Angie Avery.

"Our expenditures are going up, they're not going down," she told the council.

Resident JM Ivler spoke to the council on behalf of his daughter to support saving the show, which he said has been a community staple for many years.

"Please don't do this," he said. "(My daughter) felt it would be a great loss to take away something that's been part of her community since she's lived here."

Staff explored various options but Avery said they were met with dead ends.

"We've spent hours talking about this," Avery said. "It's the personnel costs that are the killer for this event, really."

The city cannot ask a fee for vehicles and pedestrians for the show because the base cannot charge people to enter a federal installation, base spokeswoman Laura Herzog said.

Herzog added the city could try to solicit donations from inside the event but council members agreed the plan was too risky to bank on.

However, resident and former Councilwoman Alice Jempsa said in light of the current economic climate, the responsible thing for the city to do is cancel the show.

"We'd rather see those broken sidewalks fixed ... or street repairs," she said. "With this financial time, I'd be very weary about putting money into something like this."

	met00cigar wrote: $15,000. Not $1,500. 22 years ago the City Council cut a deal with the residents. They ended the non-profit sale of fireworks and said that there would be no fireworks in the city limits. BUT (big but there) in return the City would provide the residents and community with a fireworks display. By reneging on the agreement to provide a display, the residents and citizens should have the right to run their own displays if they so choose. You can't cut a deal with the people and then renege on it and not expect them to blow off their side of the terms of the agreement. The City Council is reneging on their arrangement with the people, the people have to no longer keep their side of the agreement. 3/16/2010 7:14 PM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend Report Abuse Permalink
	etirpsha wrote: Let's see, how does that $15,000 expenditure of taxpayer money qualify as a necessary public service? Doesn't more road repair, for example, need more funding than a few thousand people watching that tax money burn up in the air in a matter of seconds? Why not return to the original American tradition of ringing the school and church bells throughout the land. It is a great tradition that our children and those throughout our neighborhood thoroughly enjoyed. All the kids took turns ringing the bell until they reached the number of years of independence! 3/16/2010 12:54 PM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend (1) Report Abuse Permalink
	doug548 wrote: I would be willing to bet even if they raised the money they would still cancell the show and divert the money into the general fund. 3/16/2010 11:57 AM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend Report Abuse Permalink
	fourcrows wrote: Where does the council think it gets it`s money in the first place? From tax-payers you lug nuts. So even if the city pays, the tax- payers are still paying!!!!!!! 3/16/2010 11:55 AM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend Report Abuse Permalink
	hoocares wrote: We sold cotton candy on 4th of July there and made over $800.00 in about 4 hours. Fund Raiser people. 3/16/2010 10:40 AM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend (4) Report Abuse Permalink
	gettheleftout wrote: I used to buy Fireworks every year, but with the price of gas instead of driving to the stand, I just light my wallet on fire. Saves me a trip! 3/16/2010 10:21 AM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend (7) Report Abuse Permalink
	deserteagle44 wrote: it doesnt take much 3/16/2010 10:19 AM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend Report Abuse Permalink
	icedamericano wrote: Huh? $1500? I'm sure they could raise that with a few car washes or a save-the-fireworks-athon or a few other fundraisers. Is that the right number? 3/16/2010 10:12 AM PDT on OCRegister.com Recommend (7) Report Abuse Permalink

Ithaca Community Fireworks show in jeopardy

LOCATION: ITHACA

DATE: March 16, 2010, 7:40 pm

BY: Staff report

 

DETAILS: ITHACA -- Organizers of the 2010 Community Fireworks Show are looking for a new home, after Ithaca College officials decided they can no longer host the yearly event.

Fireworks show organizers also cautioned that this could be their last year because of dwindling donations.

Ithaca College will no longer host the Community Fireworks Show because new construction projects have reduced the area from which fireworks can be shot without compromising safety for spectators, organizers and IC officials said Tuesday.

For the past two decades, fireworks have been shot from atop the South Hill campus to celebrate Independence Day.

Beginning with the first show in 1947, a volunteer committee has organized the free event, with Cornell University and then Ithaca College serving as host locations, according to Fran Benedict, chairman of the committee.

The fireworks shows moved to IC after new buildings constructed at Cornell University closed in on the firing area near Hoy Field and Schoellkopf Field.

Also since 1947, funding for the shows has relied entirely on donations.

"Unfortunately, contributions have not kept pace with the cost of producing fireworks spectacles," Benedict said in a Tuesday press release. "The cost of producing a fireworks show such as we have enjoyed can be as much as $1,500 a minute."

Benedict said contributions in donation barrels the night of the show have fallen far below the actual cost. The 2009 fireworks display cost more than $25,000, he said, but barrel donations were only $5,500. About one-fourth of that came from the sale of glow sticks and other novelty items the night of the fireworks show.

A VIP barbecue and entertainment area near the firing site has helped underwrite the cost of fireworks shows, Benedict said.

"We have enough in our reserve fund to produce one last blast, providing we can find a suitable location for firing and viewing," Benedict said in the statement.

When the Theory Center building at Cornell was constructed, Ithaca College provided its upper athletic fields as a firing site. Last summer, however, a new residence hall was built in a portion of the parking lot near the South Hill firing site. Measurements to determine a safe and legal firing area show that continued use of that site is not possible, Benedict and IC spokesman Dave Maley said.

"We have been delighted to host community fireworks shows for the past two decades," Ithaca College President Tom Rochon said in a statement. "With the construction of new buildings and concerns for the safety of our facilities and spectators, however, our campus no longer is a suitable location for a display on the scale of this annual event."

The 2008 fireworks show at IC caused several small fires including one in the grass roof of the then-new Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise. That incident played a part in IC's decision, Maley said.

"Certainly that was one of the things that was looked at in determining the overall safety issue," he said.

Both Ithaca College and Cornell have been "wonderful hosts" for 62 years, Benedict said. "We could not have had great fireworks shows without the cooperation and support of the IC and Cornell staff, along with area fire and police agencies, Tompkins Trust Company, TCAT transit service, and our media partners -- Cayuga Radio Group and The Ithaca Journal, among many other local organizations."

Benedict said attendance at fireworks shows in the last 10 years has dwindled, as have on-site donations.

"Thousands of people watch the show from area hillsides and parks, for example, far more than the number of people who have watched on the IC campus in recent years. Unfortunately, we get very few donations from people watching from these other locations," he said.

In your voice|

Read reactions to this story

Newest first Oldest first

bellis wrote:

Why not shoot them off on the lake?
3/17/2010 7:05:48 AM

Why not shoot them off on the lake? bellis

RecommendNew Post Reply to this Post Report Abuse

Twins testing fireworks

DATE: March 11, 2010, 10:59am

BY: Sarah McKenzie

 

DETAILS: The Twins are scheduled to do a fireworks test this afternoon.

The team hasn't finalized a fireworks plan for the 2010 season, but is hoping to have two major post-game fireworks displays this summer, according to David Frank, chair of the North Loop Neighborhood Organization.

"The Twins wish to be sensitive to the neighbors on this issue, and that's why they are conducting a test to better understand their options," Frank wrote in an e-mail. "They plan to advise the city and the neighborhood before any plans are finalized."

"Klunker Dunk"

LOCATION: USA

DATE: Thursday, March 11, 2010 -- 6:15 p.m.

BY: Chuck Koch

 

DETAILS: VIDEO: Klunker Dunk 3-11-10

 Normally a car sitting on the ice this time of year would be cause for alarm. But it's just local residents trying to make a little fire out of all that ice.

The Rock River - Lake Koshkonong association was trying to find a way to raise money for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. That's where the Sunset Bar and Grille and Jason Rusch stepped in.

"We purchased the car from the shop," says Rusch, owner of North Shore Customs just west of Fort Atkinson. "One of my customers had it and had some issues so decided to purchase it. We spent a week on it in the shop, had the sticker guy come and put all our sponsors on it, dispose everything, get it environmentally friendly and bring it out here."

After getting permission from the D-N-R, the 1999 Ford Contour was pulled onto the ice. For now, the car sits on about a foot thick sheet of ice and as the temperature climbs, it's only a matter of time before it sinks to the bottom of the lake.

A special timer has been installed in a secret location on the car to let organizers know the exact time the 1999 Ford Contour plunges into the lake. If you would like to make a guess as to when the car will fall through the ice, you can buy a guess for $5 or three guesses for $10 at Sunset Bar and Grill on the north shore of Lake Koshkonong, just west of Fort Atkinson. The winner will receive half of the money raised, with the remainder going to the annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

A party for the ages

LOCATION: The Tampa Tribune, USA

DATE:  March 12, 2010

 

DETAILS: ZEPHYRHILLS - Get ready to party!

The 100th annual Founders' Day festivities kick off this afternoon with a downtown carnival, fireworks display, skydivers and an old-fashioned barn dance. The weekend-long celebration has been years in the making.

While the annual parade usually draws about 5,000 spectators, city leaders expect a record number this year. Saturday morning's parade will feature 115 floats and marching bands.

The theme is "Celebration of Generations." Each decade will get its own grand marshal. Main Street Zephyrhills Executive Director Brenda Welcher had to forfeit her emcee duties due to a nagging case of laryngitis.

The day's events include hay rides, historical tours, archaeological digs and pony rides. Parking is available at all city lots, as well as First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church.

A community picnic will be held at Zephyr Park on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. City leaders will bury a time capsule commemorating the centennial celebration at 3:30 p.m.

"We hope all those coming from out of town notice how the community has worked very hard to get in a festival spirit," Welcher said.

A staff report

Town council to run fireworks?

LOCATION: Cowes Town, UK

DATE: Friday, March 12, 2010

BY:  David Newble

 

DETAILS: A DEBATE over whether the town council should raise funds for Cowes's threatened £50,000 firework display is to be arranged.
The idea was mooted at a meeting of the council last Wednesday, by the chief executive of Cowes Week Ltd, Stuart Quarrie.
However, members of the council said the issue was so important it would need to be put on the agenda of a future council meeting to allow proper discussion.
Cowes mayor Cllr Alan Wells said: "I am sure we all have strong views on it."
In a statement read out to members, Mr Quarrie said: "Despite the best efforts of all concerned, there was a funding shortfall in 2009 but Cowes Week Ltd believes the general principle of the approach, whereby those enjoying the display should help fund it, was the right one.
"The Isle of Wight Council has always managed the traditional Cowes fireworks display, while in recent years Cowes Week Ltd has procured the necessary funding.
"Given the changes to the funding model, it is felt it might be more appropriate for an organisation concerned with matters of the general community to take on the overall Cowes Week fireworks responsibility. We would be delighted if Cowes Town Council took on this mantle in order to secure the fireworks display for the town."
Earlier this year, fears were expressed by former Cowes mayor Cllr Geoff Banks the display may have to be cancelled due to lack of funds.

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk