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Spectators, young and old, watch from Old Mill Park |
BY MEGAN WILLIAMS
There will be fireworks in Fredericksburg this Fourth of July.
Enough money has been raised to fund the show, said Roberta Gold, Heritage Festival organizer.
A "Save the Fireworks" campaign was launched by Gold and the Star Radio Group of three radio stations--WFLS 93.3, Classic Rock 96.9 and 99.3 The Vibe--of The Free Lance-Star Publishing Co.
The drive began when it was discovered that organizers were $8,000 short of the $21,000 needed to fund the 20-minute show.
More than $750 was raised in a golf tournament at Cannon Ridge Golf Club on June 1, about $300 was raised by small donations from area residents and more than $7,000 was raised at promotional events hosted by the radio stations.
A $6,000 deposit was sent to Dominion Fireworks this week, Gold said, and another $4,000 will be sent next week.
William Bulifant of Dominion has been working with Gold to help make sure the fireworks show happens. He has had an oral agreement with Gold from the beginning, holding her spot until the money was raised.
"The community has been very generous," Gold said. "We have raised enough money."
The Fredericksburg fireworks' financial problems began when donors began backing out, including Cox Communications, an important sponsor for the Heritage Festival.
The city of Fredericksburg did not give any money to the fireworks show, although it does sponsor the Heritage Festival. Stafford County donated $5,000 and will provide lights at Pratt Park in Stafford where spectators can watch the show.
But even with some sponsorship, Gold was left short, but with confidence that the money would be raised.
"What is the Fourth of July without fireworks?" she asked.
At least for this year, Fredericksburg will not have to find out.
Other localities have also experienced financial hurdles for their Fourth of July celebrations.
Money for Caroline County's fireworks show was cut from the budget, ensuring that the $25,000 event will not happen this year.
King George County will again not be funding a fireworks show at Dahlgren. It was removed from the budget last year and wasn't put back on for this year or the next.
The town of Colonial Beach experienced a moment of doubt when officials were faced with raising $8,800 for the Potomac River Festival fireworks show on June 13. But it took the Chamber of Commerce only a month to raise the necessary funds. There will also be a fireworks show on the Fourth of July.
Spotsylvania County, however, had no trouble raising enough money for its annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular. W.J. Vakos Cos. agreed to fund the full $29,000 for the 30-minute show.
Megan Williams:
Email: mewilliams@freelancestar.com
