MARQUETTE - Event organizers have said they are thousands of dollars behind in fundraising for next week's Fourth of July fireworks display in Marquette, a shortfall that has already resulted in the cancellation of one related event.
The Marquette Area 4th of July Committee is between $6,000 and $8,000 behind the total from last year at this time, according to committee chairwoman Debra Nance.
"We have such a great community here and the community is so supportive of all the events that happen here," she said. "We are looking to the community to consider contributing to them."
Article Photos
Fireworks over the Lower Harbor in Marquette are a Fourth of July tradition. (Journal file photo)
Not counting ancillary costs, Nance said the fireworks for the annual show cost about $30,000.
Service groups, she said, have really stepped up this year to assist in the holiday plans, but she is hoping to see more individuals come up with donations. Nance said she gets calls and emails throughout the year about the quality of the fireworks display and said the show, which always draws a huge crowd, reflects very well on the Marquette area.
"If everyone who watched the fireworks - and people come from all over - contributed $1, we would have certainly enough funds," she said.
Due to a lack of volunteers and funds, the group has decided to cancel this year's decorated bike rodeo. Nance said she hopes someone will ultimately agree to take the event over to continue it into the future.
Additionally, Nance said the group is starting a long-term fund to help purchase a barge that will allow the continued launch of large fireworks off the end of the ore dock. The group does not own the barge currently used.
Nance said donations for the fireworks can be sent to the Marquette Area 4th of July Committee at P.O. Box 782, Marquette, MI 49855, or donors can purchase wrist bands - for $3 each or $5 for two - from members of either the Marquette Area 4th of July Committee or the Rotary Club of Marquette. Wrist bands will also be sold along the parade route on July 4.
Kyle Whitney can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250.