A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News May 23, 2006 - Fireworks show worth keeping - Here's how to donate Our View, Daily Tribune Local teens help keep the July 4 fireworks in Wisconsin Rapids; donations may be sent to CFSWC or contribute online: www.cfswc.org. See last pargraph. On the night of July 4, televisions are off, lawn chairs are out and eyes are pointed skyward. For the youngest audience members, every sparkle, every explosion induce gasps. Typically, the more experienced viewers will show a little more restraint, but even they get caught up in the excitement of the rapid-fire grand finale. How many other activities these days attract the attention of young, old and everyone in between? Like past summers, the spectacles in the sky often blend together in memory. While it's hard to recall specific Fourth of July shows, there's a general feeling that the aerial display was an enjoyable experience shared with neighbors, family and friends. Fireworks on the Fourth has become an expectation for many Americans, a long-standing tradition of "free" entertainment with no foreseeable end. Having a spectacular show is one way to build community pride, attract visitors and entice residents to spend the holiday at home. Wisconsin Rapids was on the brink of taking a step back in that regard. When municipalities, state and national agencies consider how to deal with budget deficits, those quality of life issues come under scrutiny. Fireworks are nice to watch, after all, but how much money do they bring in? There was a budget request of $19,610 for this year's show, and Wisconsin Rapids leaders cut that by 80 percent in an attempt to deal with the city's financial shortfalls. Of course, it never was the intention to eliminate the show altogether, and it wasn't likely the high-powered fireworks would be replaced with bottle rockets and smoke bombs. Rather, city leaders hoped residents, local businesses -- someone -- would step forward and fill the gap. Fortunately, that's exactly what's happening. Nine local high school students decided they didn't want the time-honored tradition to fall by the wayside. With the help of organizations like the Elks Lodge, Community Foundation of South Wood County, Heart of Wisconsin Business and Economic Alliance and Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau, the teens are collecting donations to save the fireworks. The Community Fireworks Committee is asking Wisconsin Rapids-area communities to make a donation based on their populations. Most community leaders have given a definite maybe. In a tough economic climate, it can be hard to find a couple thousand dollars in the budget. The village of Biron made the commitment with a pledge of $500 for July and at least $380 -- the donation the group was seeking -- for the next four years. Village President Jon Evenson told a Daily Tribune reporter this is an opportunity for municipalities to work together. "We have tight financial resources as well," he said. "As an outlying community, we realize there are many things the city of Wisconsin Rapids pays for that are utilized by Biron residents." That's the right attitude to have. A community fireworks celebration is worth saving, and it makes sense to share the cost. Businesses like Solarus and Projection Guys Inc., which have pledged more than $1,000, and others also should be commended for their involvement. And so should the organizations and young people who have gotten behind the effort and the local residents who have decided to donate. The Fireworks Committee hopes to raise about $15,000 toward the $20,000 show. "If we lose things, we lose a part of our community," said one of the group members, Robyn Wayne, 16, of Grand Rapids. "We don't want that to happen." And it's a good thing for the community that Wayne and others were willing to do something about it. How to help Send donations to Community Foundation of South Wood County, 478 E. Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494. Donate online at www.cfswc.org. Checks and online donations should be marked for the “Community Fireworks Fund.” The committee needs donations by JUNE 1 to have enough time to order the fireworks.
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