Organizers of Richmond’s fireworks show are seeking about $12,500 to make the skies and kids’ faces light up.
American Legion Harry Ray Post 65 has raised funds to provide the annual show around Independence Day for about 80 years, but with about a month to go, this year’s collections are coming up thousands of dollars short.
Longtime Legion member John Renfro, who assists fireworks chair Chris Helms and other post leaders with fundraising, said a few donations recently arrived after a letter campaign, but the pace isn’t as fast as normal.
Legion members aim to raise $25,000 for the show. They’ve already made a $5,000 down payment to Wayne County-based Scarrette Pyrotechnics Show and Displays.
To help close the gap, the Legion is offering a golf scramble at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Highland Lake Golf Course in Richmond. Renfro hopes that event will raise at least $5,000 for fireworks.
The scramble pays tribute to the late John Juhasz, who was a member of Richmond High School’s 1941 state champion golf team. Shortly thereafter, Juhasz served in the Coast Guard during World War II in the South Pacific. In 1944, Juhasz was awarded two Bronze Combat Stars for his contributions in confronting three Japanese submarines.
Renfro, who marked his 50th year in 2024 of helping the Legion with the fireworks, said he enjoys seeing smiles on kids’ faces and hearing oohs and aahs from the crowd.
Renfro said fireworks wouldn’t be possible without the City of Richmond’s in-kind donations that include providing the venue, police protection, trash collection, barricades and other support. He said city employees “do a tremendous job” making the event run smoothly.
Tax-deductible donations for Richmond’s fireworks show can be sent to or delivered to American Legion Harry Ray Post 65, 109 N. Sixth St., Richmond, IN 47374.
All are invited to stop by the Legion’s golf scramble on Saturday, June 14, at Highland Lake Golf Course, 1972 Highland Road, Richmond, and drop off a donation as well. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m. To register, call Highland Lake at 765-983-7287. Registration is due June 5. It’s $65 for the public and $35 for Highland Lake members.
To sponsor a scramble hole or for more information about donating, call John Renfro at 765-914-4334.
A version of this article appeared in the May 28 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.