Editorial: Hats off to Ramona

You did it — hit the $30,000 goal needed for this year’s July 4th fireworks.

This is the 23rd year Ramona Rotary Club — with the community’s support — will stage the July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks event.

While other communities have dropped their Independence Day fireworks for a variety of reasons, a determined Ramona Rotary Club continues to take the lead to be sure residents and visitors enjoy an old-fashioned July 4th — complete with patriotic music and a 20-minute skyshow.

But Rotarians don’t do it alone. Everything from pennies from children to a $2,000 donation from the Norris-Hinkle family made this year’s celebration possible.

Rotarians and a few Kiwanis members stood in front of Albertsons, Stater Bros. and Kmart for six hours every Saturday in June asking for contributions. The response from shoppers was heartwarming.

While most donors live in Ramona, some don’t. Young adults visiting their hometown commented on how much they enjoyed the fireworks every year when they were children. Several new residents shared how excited they are to live in a town that still has fireworks.

Business, family and organization donations also continue to make the event possible.

So bring your sunscreen, blankets, folding chairs and picnics to the fields behind Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane from 5 to 9:20 p.m. on Saturday and have fun. There will be games, contests, food, desserts, non-alcoholic drinks, face painting and more. Fireworks will start at 9.

You made it possible. Now enjoy it.