Fireworks Fundraising Effort Underway

There will be fireworks in Effingham on the 4th of July, but just where they'll take place is yet to be determined.

An organizational meeting was held Monday morning at the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce offices.  The organization that had organized the fireworks display the last several years, Southtown Business Association, has disbanded. 

At Monday's meeting, International Federation of Firefighters Local 3084 agreed to serve as lead organization for this year's fireworks event.  Local 3084 plans to establish an account at Washington Savings Bank for those who'd like to donate to this year's event.

The fireworks have been held for many years at Hendelmeyer Park, but there is some sentiment for holding the display at a more wide open venue.  Hendelmeyer is still a possibility, though.

The City of Effingham contributed $5,000 toward the cost of the display for many years, but upped the ante to $10,000 last year.  This year, City Administrator Jim Arndt said the City might be able to contribute up to $15,000 since the fundraising and organizing is occurring much closer to the 4th than in past years.

Representatives of Local 3084 and the Park District were on hand at Monday's meeting along with Chamber President Norma Lansing, Arndt, Scott Mosher of Effingham Noon Rotary and Brian Marxmann who represents two firms that could provide fireworks for the event.

A push will be made to contact local clubs and organizations that might like to contribute toward the cost of the display.

Tasha Lange, who is Public Information Officer for the fire department and is a member of Local 3084, will chair the Local's efforts.