y Jimmy Gillispie, Theworldco.info
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Last year's Fourth of July fiasco forced some changes in the planning of the annual Baldwin City celebration.
A new group has begun working on this year's event. The Citizens For Baldwin City previously planned the celebration, but not this year. The committee is called Community Fireworks Display.
"We had a change of people this year, but we have highly motivated people that want a sense of community pride and togetherness," committee member Sheri Caldwell said.
The group consists of a few local business people and Baldwin City Recreation Director Monte Ezell. They met Monday evening to discuss this year's Fourth of July event.
The main item of the meeting was discussing fundraising for the event.
"We always get our funds from people donating at the gate, local businesses and various community members," Caldwell said. "We are starting our fundraising campaign now."
A lack of funding and support were the primary reasons the event was canceled last year, until the Signal's article sparked local interest. In four days, enough money was raised to bring the event back to Baldwin for another year.
This year's committee hopes to start the fundraising early enough that it avoids last year's near-disaster.
"If we get enough money in the bank early enough, we will be able to have a bigger and better show," Caldwell said. "The earlier we order, the bigger discount we will get on fireworks."
The 2007 celebration will once again be highlighted by the fireworks display that will begin at dusk. It will still be held at the ball fields next to Baldwin High School.
Before the fireworks, there will be activities for children, music and concessions. There will be two additional inflatable play areas for children this year to bring that total to five.
Caldwell said the committee hopes to increase the event by about 10 percent each year, so spectators will see something new every year.
The BCRC and Reece and Nichols are the primary sponsors for the event. For more information or to give donations, contact Caldwell at (913) 302-4708 or Michelle Rhoades at (785) 594-3983 or (785) 418-8160.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Last year's Fourth of July fiasco forced some changes in the planning of the annual Baldwin City celebration.
A new group has begun working on this year's event. The Citizens For Baldwin City previously planned the celebration, but not this year. The committee is called Community Fireworks Display.
"We had a change of people this year, but we have highly motivated people that want a sense of community pride and togetherness," committee member Sheri Caldwell said.
The group consists of a few local business people and Baldwin City Recreation Director Monte Ezell. They met Monday evening to discuss this year's Fourth of July event.
The main item of the meeting was discussing fundraising for the event.
"We always get our funds from people donating at the gate, local businesses and various community members," Caldwell said. "We are starting our fundraising campaign now."
A lack of funding and support were the primary reasons the event was canceled last year, until the Signal's article sparked local interest. In four days, enough money was raised to bring the event back to Baldwin for another year.
This year's committee hopes to start the fundraising early enough that it avoids last year's near-disaster.
"If we get enough money in the bank early enough, we will be able to have a bigger and better show," Caldwell said. "The earlier we order, the bigger discount we will get on fireworks."
The 2007 celebration will once again be highlighted by the fireworks display that will begin at dusk. It will still be held at the ball fields next to Baldwin High School.
Before the fireworks, there will be activities for children, music and concessions. There will be two additional inflatable play areas for children this year to bring that total to five.
Caldwell said the committee hopes to increase the event by about 10 percent each year, so spectators will see something new every year.
The BCRC and Reece and Nichols are the primary sponsors for the event. For more information or to give donations, contact Caldwell at (913) 302-4708 or Michelle Rhoades at (785) 594-3983 or (785) 418-8160.