Money raised, fireworks will go on
Monday, May 12, 2008
Springfield, Ohio — The Old Fashioned Fireworks will light up the night sky again this year.
County Commissioner John Detrick and City Commissioner Kevin O'Neill told the National Trail Parks and Recreation District board on Monday, May 12, that they have raised more than $25,000.
Extras
The pair took on raising the money after the district considered canceling the July 3 fireworks because of a tight budget.
"We felt strongly that this tradition needs to continue and not just for this year, but for the years to come," O'Neill said.
National Trail is facing a possible $100,000 deficit this year and four levies to support parks have failed.
The event costs about $25,000 and had been paid for mostly with private donations. Those dollars dwindled as some sponsors left and some supported other programs and levy campaigns.
The district paid about $10,000 of the cost in recent years.
O'Neill said he believes they will be able to raise more than $35,000. The Turner Foundation already had pledged $5,000.
Any money beyond the cost of this year's fireworks will go toward next year's event.
O'Neill said he would like to see the event expanded, like Red, White and Boom in Columbus.
The district didn't consider canceling the event to be harmful, Board Chairman Darrell Kitchen said.
"It was clearly motivated by economics," he said.
Board member Susie Samuels had spoken up to keep the fireworks.
"It was a real passion of mine," she said. "I didn't want to see it go."
The fundraising project was one of the easiest Detrick said he has worked on. About 85 people or businesses donated, he said.
"This is a very giving community," Detrick said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0363 or ssommer@coxohio.com.
