Sat Nov 07 2009
Editorial
Five days from now, large crowds will gather at Defiance's Kingsbury and Pontiac parks and elsewhere for this year's annual fireworks display. For economic reasons -- pyrotechnic companies command a premium price for fireworks on July 4 -- the event will actually occur on Friday, July 3, and not on Saturday when other events are planned.
And, for economic considerations, the group in charge of fireworks fundraising -- the Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau (DDVB) -- will attempt to raise money from fireworks watchers. Volunteers will make their way through the crowds before the display, politely asking for contributions, although no one will be penalized for not giving.
This is not really anyone's preferred method. In the recent past, funds were solicited, and received, from Defiance businesses through the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce. But a question was raised about why this should be the chamber's responsibility, as well as businesses' burden. The question is much more valid in a tough economic climate.
Fireworks, after all, are no cheap expense. This year's display figures to cost $13,000, and had the fireworks gone off on Saturday, July 4, the cost would have been several thousand dollars more.
As of last week, DDVB had already raised some $10,000 through its own activites -- like last year's downtown ribfest -- as well as contributions from generous donors. Its goal is to raise enough money to cover the remaining cost this year and provide seed money for the 2010 fireworks. That sounds like a good financial plan with an eye to the future.
There is certainly the risk that the switch in fundraising tactics will turn some people off, and may even keep a few home. Many have become accustomed to attending the Defiance fireworks as a source of cheap entertainment for the family. But really little will change.
If several thousand persons attend the fireworks and each one gives an average of $2-3, DDVB can easily meet its goals by combining that money with other fundraising contributions.
A few bucks doesn't seem like a lot to ask for something so valued for so long in this community.
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