Fireworks donations still low

With just more than three weeks until July 4, only $5,000 of the $22,000 needed to put on Ramona’s Independence Day Fireworks and Family Picnic were in hand this week, reports Julie Walker, part of the team coordinating the event.

Donations made out to Ramona July 4th Fireworks may be mailed to Ramona July 4th, P.O. Box 276, Ramona, CA 92065.

Ramona Rotary Club, which started the community event in 1993, is joined this year by Ramona Chamber of Commerce, Ramona Kiwanis, Ramona Soroptimists and Ramona Town Hall Brass Band in a group effort to ensure that the popular festivities continue.

Donation canisters are in Ramona businesses, and volunteers will be in front of markets in town accepting donations the evening of June 17 and in the afternoons on June 19 and 20.

A $17,000 fireworks show has been contracted for, the same skyshow as last year. Overall, the July 4 event budget is $22,000, including equipment and supplies.

“We need everyone’s help to ensure this annual celebration of our nation’s birthday can go forth,” said Walker.

Donors of $250 and more will receive VIP parking passes, and those donating $500 and more also will have banners displayed at the event.Nonprofits interested in selling packaged food goods (no kitchen or onsite-prepared foods) or wanting to set up activities at the July 4 event are asked to contact Craig Jung at the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, 760-789-1311. Due to county regulations, caterers will prepare Mexican and barbecued food and treats such as funnel cakes and caramel corn.

The fireworks event will be held in the fields behind Olive Peirce Middle School from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. The fireworks show will be synchronized to patriotic music that will be broadcast on KYXY 96.5FM.