Batavia fireworks looking for funds, volunteer help
By Linda Girardi For The Beacon-News February 15, 2013 5:30PM
The Batavia Fourth of July fireworks show is seeking funds and volunteers to keep the effort going in 2013. A meeting for volunteers is set Wednesday. | Sun-Times Media file photo
To donate
Donations to the Batavia fireworks fund can be made on the 555 campaign “5 Minutes, 5 Friends, 5 Dollars” link at www.bataviafireworks.org/555.htm.
Monetary donations can be sent to the “Batavia Fireworks Committee” at 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia.
For information, visit www.bataviafireworks.org for information.
Updated: March 19, 2013 6:13AM
BATAVIA — While there’s still some frosty mornings to come, Mark Davis is asking Batavians to think ahead to the Fourth of July, with the night sky ablaze with color synchronized to music, celebrating with family and friends.
“What would happen if the show didn’t happen?” Davis said.
Batavia’s Fourth of July fireworks show prides itself with offering the finest fireworks display in the area, drawing 10,000 to 15,000 spectators to Engstrom Park near the Batavia High School athletic fields each year.
Rather than being funded through city tax dollars, Batavia’s fireworks show has always relied on the generosity of public and private donations.
But the effect the tough economy has had on corporate donations — coupled with the lagging dollar bills and coins dropped into the donation canisters in parking lots on the day of the fireworks — has taken its toll.
Davis, chairman of the Batavia A.C.C.E.S.S Fireworks committee, said Batavia’s annual 4th of July Sky Concert is at risk of being called off unless they raise sufficient funds.
“If the committee does not raise the $50,000 needed by May 1, the show and tradition will be cancelled,” Davis said.
To recover from shortfalls in previous years, the committee has dipped into reserve funds, but that, too, has taken a toll.
“We have $5,000 in reserves,” Davis said.
Davis said the committee will be hosting a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Open Range restaurant at Water and Houston streets for people interested in finding out how they can help keep the show from being cancelled.
“We are trying to get volunteers to help come up with ideas and serve on the committee — we have fewer and fewer volunteers,” he added.
Davis said Batavians also can support their local fireworks event by buying tickets for the March 10th Books vs. Badges basketball game at Batavia High School that pits two unlikely rivals: Batavia’s firefighters and police officers on one side of the court and Batavia teachers on the other side. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for seniors and children. The doors open at 4 p.m. The game starts at 5 p.m.
Donations also can be made on the 555 campaign “5 Minutes, 5 Friends, 5 Dollars” link at www.bataviafireworks.org/555.htm.
Registrations for the annual Batavia Citywide Garage Sale also support the fireworks show. Monetary donations can be sent to the “Batavia Fireworks Committee” at 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia. Visit www.bataviafireworks.org for information.
