Donations sought for July 4 fireworks

The July 4 team is in place and working to ensure that Ramona’s annual July 4th celebration can be held again — but where is the community support?

Ramona Rotary, which has hosted the July 4 fireworks and family picnic since 1993, has brought in the Ramona Kiwanis and Soroptimist clubs, the Ramona Chamber and the Ramona Town Hall Brass Band to help put on this year’s event, and 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. Stories have been printed, letters have been sent to previous fireworks sponsors and donation cannisters have been placed in Ramona business locations, yet not even $1,000 has been raised.

“Summer seems to be creeping up on all of us,” says July 4 coordinator Julie Walker of Ramona Rotary. “Maybe it’s because we have had such cool and wet weather far longer than normal, but July 4th is really just around the corner. We need everyone’s help to ensure this annual celebration of our nation’s birthday can go forth.”

Donations made out to Ramona July 4th Fireworks may be sent to: Ramona July 4th, P.O. Box 276, Ramona, CA 92065. 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 Jug at the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, 760-789-1311, as soon as possible.

Due to county regulations, there will be professional caterers at the event, offering Mexican and barbecued foods, as well as treats such as funnel cakes and carmel corn.

As in the past, the July 4 celebration will be held on the field behind Olive Peirce Middle School, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. The fireworks show will be conducted in conjunction with patriotric music broadcast over KYXY-FM radio.