Fireworks $$ pouring in, more sought
Donations have started rolling in for the Chamber of Commerce’s
July 5th fireworks show at Lake Gladewater, but the $5,000 goal still
has not been met.
The chamber will host its Fourth of July celebration in conjunction
with the Austin Bank Independence Day Boat Parade on Saturday, July 5.
The event is free to everyone, thanks to the generous donations of businesses
and individuals, said Chamber Manager Marsha Valdetero.
“We appreciate everyone and every business who has contributed
to make the fireworks happen,” Ms. Valdetero said.
Donations received since last Thursday came from: Diana and Michael
Formby, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Anderson, Good Old Stuff, Gladewater Antique
Mall, Barbara Mackey, Joyce Hanes, John and Joann Black, Gladewater Books,
Mr. and Mrs. David Colvin, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Johnson, Sonic Drive-In,
James and Erin Stokes and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kates.
Also, Bonnie Ferguson, Elaine Roddy, Maverick Technical Systems, R.B.
Oder Construction Co., Inc., Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Derouen, Bernard and Sandi
Taylor, John Ben Shepperd Estate, Joe A. Smith, B&C Furniture, City
of Gladewater, Walter Derrick, Tom and Debra Mahoney, TCF Construction
and Scott Owens Properties.
Gladewater Youth Track athletes will be parking cars for $3 donations,
with proceeds to benefit their trip to state competition in Austin this
summer. The Education Foundation, Gladewater will be cooking hamburgers
and hot dogs to raise money (see separate story).
The boat parade begins at 8 p.m.; the fireworks begin at dark. The
bank offers prizes of $100, $50 and $25 for the most patriotic entries
and it’s free to enter.
Chamber President Jay Stokes said the reason for the day-after celebration
is two-fold: first and foremost, fireworks shows on July 4th cost twice
as much as the same show on the day before or day after; second, since
July 5th falls on a Saturday this year, chamber directors hope more people
will come out to enjoy the boat parade and fireworks.
Donations can be mailed to: Gladewater Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box
1409, Gladewater, Texas 75647; or drop them off at the chamber office,
215 N. Main St. |
New to the Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July celebration
will be a hamburger and hot dog cookout to benefit the Education Foundation,
Gladewater (EFG). The GHS Band will also be performing during the Lake
Gladewater event.
“Burgers and Pops,” a fundraiser in conjunction with the
chamber’s annual fireworks display, will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday,
July 5. Hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, chips and drinks,
will be offered at the pavilion in Garland Ferguson Park. Hamburgers
will be $5 and hot dogs will be $4. Seating will be available inside
the pavilion, or you can opt for take-outs.
Prior to the fireworks display, patriotic music will be provided by
members of the Gladewater High School Band under the direction of Assistant
Director Scott Smith.
EFG is a non-profit, tax exempt philanthropic organization created
to increase private support for educational activities not supported
by tax dollars. The foundation’s Board of Directors is made up
of business, community and educational leaders. |
