Generous donations from businesses and individuals have kept fireworks displays in Wayne County skies for many years.
However, some years those donations are less than others, prompting sponsoring organizations to ask for help to keep the sparkly shows coming.
Richmond’s Harry Ray American Legion Post 65 is in that situation this year.
John Renfro said the post is about $10,000 to $15,000 short of its goal for the $30,000 extravaganza planned for July 6 at Glen Miller Park.
Letters were sent to businesses and individuals in search of tax-deductible donations, but with about two weeks before the event, Renfro said the fund was still far short of its goal. Proceeds from a June 22 golf outing were expected to help but won’t close the gap.
Wayne County-based Scarrette Pyrotechnics Shows and Displays has been contracted to again provide the annual show. World War II veterans who had just come home started the gathering on Roosevelt Hill to celebrate the nation’s birth.
Renfro is a 53-year Legion member who is marking his 50th year of helping with the fireworks. He’s assisting the group including Chris Helms, fireworks chair and Lockhart Gee, post commander.
Renfro said all fireworks donations go into a separate Legion account, and any remaining funds carry over to the following year. The Legion prefers to raise money for fireworks a year in advance to avoid uncertainties.
If fireworks are canceled in the future for lack of funds, Renfro said donations would be refunded.
Post 65 plans to offer low-cost treats such as hotdogs and popcorn at the fireworks and will receive financial support from food trucks on site.
Local bands, Isaac Ellison, Parental Advisory, Quimby and Lipstick, will perform at the annual Freedom Jam concert at beginning at 4 p.m.
How to contribute
- Cambridge City Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 169 and Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department are making the annual show possible on July 6 at Creitz Park near the fire station, 127 W. Maple St., Cambridge City. Food sales begin at 6 p.m. Rain date is July 7. Donations may be sent to the chamber at P.O. Box 206, Cambridge City, IN 47327. Call 765-541-8936 for more information.
- Hagerstown’s William O. Frazier American Legion Post 333 organizes fireworks on July 4 at Hagerstown Airport, 999 S. Washington St. Donations can be sent to the post at 615 W. Main St., Hagerstown, IN 47346. Call 765-489-5414 to learn more.
- Gifts for Richmond’s July 6 show in Glen Miller Park can be sent to Harry Ray American Legion Post 65 at 109 N. Sixth St., Richmond, IN 47374. For more information, call 765-962-4321 or leave a message at 765-914-4334.
- Fountain City’s show takes place July 13 at the East Ball Diamond. For more information about sponsorships, call Scarrette Pyrotechnics at 765-238-7075.
A version of this article appeared in the June 26 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.