Local fireworks show saved

STAFFORD — This year’s Fourth of July fireworks show in Fredericksburg will go on as planned, according to the event’s organizer, Roberta Gold.

Recently, Gold made it known that the fireworks were in trouble, and said she speculated their $21,000 cost would be hard to meet without the help of the community or some donations. With other expenses, she noted, it would be difficult to pull off this year.

Since then, a Save the Fireworks effort, including a golf tournament and spaghetti dinner were planned as fund-raising efforts.

On Monday, Gold reported, “We did raise the money.”

The funding included almost $8,500 raised by WFLS Radio, Gold said. The station held fundraising events with the help of local businesses.

Other money that came in included direct donations from businesses and individuals, Gold said.

And, she said the golf tournament at Cannon Ridge Golf Club was a big success.

“They did a wonderful job,” she said. “They served a lovely dinner at the club. Everybody was just happy as a lark.”

There’s even the possibility of an annual golf tournament, Gold said, noting that she understands today’s tough economic situation.

This year’s Heritage Festival July Fourth celebration, topped off with the fireworks display, will be held at Stafford County’s Pratt Park. The event will feature WFLS radio personality Todd Grimstead and singer Darryl Ott, as well as many free activities for children, said Gold, including pony rides.

Last year, the fireworks were scaled back to costing $21,000, and for the five years prior to that the fireworks cost $25,000, Gold noted. This year, Gold would like to put any extra money raised back into the fireworks, which may boost the amount spent as compared with last year.

“I’m too patriotic not to have fireworks,” said Gold. “…We should have a really bang-up show.”

Most of the people Gold has come across, she said, have supported the need for the fireworks.

Most have said, “We can’t have a 4th without fireworks,” she noted.

Gold added: “It would have been very disappointing if we couldn’t do this. It was very satisfying that the community did pay attention and jump in with support.”