Brandon Twp.- The show will go on, but it may not be quite the same without help from the community.
Like many municipalities, when the township board approved the 2007 budget, cuts were made. Most will not be noticeable to the public, but one may be, come July: the fireworks show.
The township board approved a budget devoid of the $5,000 usually contributed for the July fireworks display.
‘Because of a reduction in revenues, we had to make cuts someplace and that was one area we chose to cut,? said Township Supervisor Ron Lapp. ‘It was not an easy decision and it’s a popular program, but we can’t give raises and it’s pretty hard to have fireworks when you can’t take care of your employees.?
Now, the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce is hoping the community will step forward to ensure the show will continue in the manner the audience has become accustomed to. During the last few years, the show has cost $8,000 for 30 minutes of fireworks.
‘If we don’t get the full $8,000, we’ll have a smaller show,? said Chamber President Susan Reddy. ‘If we only raise $5,000, it might be a 20-minute show instead of 30 minutes. We want the community to know the chamber is doing it for their benefit and we need their support. If it doesn’t pan out, we don’t want them upset.?
The chamber has annually budgeted $2,500 to contribute to the show, with the township funding the rest. To make up for the shortfall, they will partner with the Downtown Development Authority and volunteers from both organizations will work together in events, such as the fireworks show, that benefit the community.
Fireworks donations: Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 152, Ortonville, MI 48462. Details: (248) 627-8079.