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PITTSBURG —
There will be a fireworks show this July 4; that’s clear. What’s not so clear is just how big of a show will take place.
The fundraising for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show is reaching its end. In past years, $20,000 has been needed to continue having a show of the same size as past years.
“As I understand it, I believe the order date is next Wednesday,” said Blake Benson, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce president. “At this point, we’re almost at $14,000. Whatever we end up with by Wednesday of next week is what we have to spend.”
Recent efforts have pushed the fundraising in recent weeks, including the Big Bang Rockfest in early May. That event brought in close to $4,000, and Benson said that goes a long way toward reaching the goal.
“For one event to bring in that much money in one day is a testament to the work of [Jeremy] Parvin and [Jon] Bartlow and the other organizers of that event,” Benson said. “Without that, the show would be half of what it has in the past.”
The rest of the money has come in from a team-up of the Chamber, the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department and the Southeast Kansas Community Foundation.
Benson said the response has been good so far, enough to have a celebration, but “it will be less of a show than in the past.”
“There have been dozens that have stepped forward and said, ‘Yes, this is a priority,’ and that should help,” Benson said. “If those are in, and others want to help, it needs to be in hand by next week. Otherwise, it will go toward next year’s show.”
While the show may end up being smaller than in years past, Benson said he doesn’t believe that the Fourth of July celebration will draw a smaller crowd.
“There is that potential, though,” he said. “Also, I think the community needs to see the level of support has a direct correlation to the number of fireworks that are shot. I think it needs to happen and my hopes are it won’t cause a reduced crowd. It keeps people in our community that otherwise would go somewhere else to watch the fireworks show.”
To make a donation to the fireworks, visit www.pittsburgfireworksshow.org or call the Community Foundation at 231-8897.
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 140.
There will be a fireworks show this July 4; that’s clear. What’s not so clear is just how big of a show will take place.
The fundraising for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show is reaching its end. In past years, $20,000 has been needed to continue having a show of the same size as past years.
“As I understand it, I believe the order date is next Wednesday,” said Blake Benson, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce president. “At this point, we’re almost at $14,000. Whatever we end up with by Wednesday of next week is what we have to spend.”
Recent efforts have pushed the fundraising in recent weeks, including the Big Bang Rockfest in early May. That event brought in close to $4,000, and Benson said that goes a long way toward reaching the goal.
“For one event to bring in that much money in one day is a testament to the work of [Jeremy] Parvin and [Jon] Bartlow and the other organizers of that event,” Benson said. “Without that, the show would be half of what it has in the past.”
The rest of the money has come in from a team-up of the Chamber, the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department and the Southeast Kansas Community Foundation.
Benson said the response has been good so far, enough to have a celebration, but “it will be less of a show than in the past.”
“There have been dozens that have stepped forward and said, ‘Yes, this is a priority,’ and that should help,” Benson said. “If those are in, and others want to help, it needs to be in hand by next week. Otherwise, it will go toward next year’s show.”
While the show may end up being smaller than in years past, Benson said he doesn’t believe that the Fourth of July celebration will draw a smaller crowd.
“There is that potential, though,” he said. “Also, I think the community needs to see the level of support has a direct correlation to the number of fireworks that are shot. I think it needs to happen and my hopes are it won’t cause a reduced crowd. It keeps people in our community that otherwise would go somewhere else to watch the fireworks show.”
To make a donation to the fireworks, visit www.pittsburgfireworksshow.org or call the Community Foundation at 231-8897.
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 140.
