Elk River July 4 fireworks appear all but dead for ’09

By Joni Astrup
It appears the traditional July 4 fireworks show over Lake Orono in Elk River will not happen this year.“At this point, I would say that things aren’t looking that promising to have an event this year, at least from our perspective,” said Paul Sheets, president of the Lake Orono Improvement Association.The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce usually runs the July 4 events at Lake Orono, which are capped off with fireworks over the lake. But the chamber has bowed out of the event this year.The Elk River City Council had hoped someone else would emerge to at least keep the fireworks show going, and the lake group stepped forward to help.

Sheets said they have commitments for about $10,000, which would cover the cost of the fireworks. That includes $6,000 which the city had budgeted for the event in 2009. The Elk River American Legion also agreed to sponsor the event and act as the clearinghouse for the financial end of things.But other obstacles still stood in the way. Sheets said they would need another $10,000 to $12,000 to cover public safety and other costs, like trash removal, associated with the celebration. They also would need 25 to 30 volunteers. “It just seems at this juncture, so close to the event, it would be difficult to realize all those additional funds and resources to make it happen,” he said.In addition, parking is a challenge.Sheets said a note has been sent to the city, explaining the situation.Elk River City Administrator Lori Johnson said the city appreciates the lake association efforts to try to make fireworks happen this year, but it appears all but dead.

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