OUR TURN: Time for donors to light fuse of fireworks display
Highland Lakes residents and those living in Marble Falls specifically who want to get more bang for their buck during the annual July Fourth fireworks show have only seven weeks left to give a donation.
Why does the display deserve the public’s financial support, other than the fact it’s part of a patriotic observance of the nation’s independence?
The fireworks campaign is a great example of how a community can rally around a cause when governments or institutions no longer offer a cherished service. Those who believe in the power of grassroots initiatives should give their support to the fireworks for that reason alone.
It’s all about “people power.”
At one time, the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce hosted, funded and organized the fireworks show. But the display was canceled in 2009 after funding constraints forced Chamber officials to pull the plug.
Prior to that, the hotel-occupancy taxes paid to the city funded the fireworks display, but a state attorney general’s opinion said those monies couldn’t be used for a fireworks event.
So Judy Miller, a local retailer, and other private business owners launched a rescue effort to resurrect the display in 2010.
Private fundraising efforts have kept it going since that time, and the event helps boost the local economy by “putting heads in beds” — attracting visitors to area hotels, restaurants and shops.
It’s also a fun family event that entertains spectators.
The Marble Falls Community Fireworks Display costs about $20,000, a figure that includes pyrotechnics, food and live entertainment.
Though they don’t provide all the funding, local government agencies still offer some support, including more than $900 donated by the Economic Development Corp. and $500 from the city of Marble Falls.
But with less than two months left to go, it’s time for other donors to emerge. Miller says the display has met about half of its fundraising goal.
For the first time this year, those who donate $25 or more will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to the season home opener of the Dallas Cowboys football team. Also new this year, individuals can make donations “in memory of” or “in honor of” someone, including servicemen and women and veterans.
The event is scheduled for just after sunset over Lake Marble Falls and can be seen from several vantage points across the city, including Lakeside Park in the 300 block of Buena Vista Drive.
To make a donation, mail checks to: Marble Falls Community Fireworks, c/o Judy Miller, P.O. Box 158, Marble Falls, TX 78654.
For tax purposes, donors can make checks payable to MF Community Fireworks Display. Drop-off locations include City Hall, 800 Third St.; Out Back Patio Furnishings, 2000 U.S. 281; The Picayune/Tribune offices, 1007 Ave. K; and KBEY radio, 2108 N. U.S 281, suite A.
Donors can also visit www.marblefallscommunity
fireworks.com or www.thepicayunetv.com/pic/
marble-falls-fireworks-project.
This newspaper is also a sponsor.
So do your part and help light a fuse under the fireworks display. Give generously.