Business donations help fireworks effort

Three donations of $1,000 each on Monday brought organizers of Ramona’s July 4th Fireworks and Family Picnic closer to their goal of $22,000.

Donations on Monday morning of $1,000 each came from Ramona Disposal Service and Sludgebusters Septic Services DBA European Portables. By Monday afternoon, Julie Walker of Ramona Rotary Club reported that another $1,000 donation had come from Dr. James Hill.

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.

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

The fireworks show will cost $17,000, and the budget for the entire event is $22,000.

The 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 start a 9 p.m. and will be synchronized to patriotic music that will be broadcast on KYXY 96.5FM.

Donors of $250 and more will receive VIP parking passes, and those donating $500 and more will have banners displayed at the event.

Nonprofits interested in selling packaged food or setting up activities at the festivities may contact Craig Jung at the chamber office at 760-789-1311. Because of county regulations, caterers will prepare Mexican and barbecued food and treats such as funnel cakes and caramel corn.