Sep 7th
The 4th of July fireworks show happened right on schedule in 2010. This year though, for many individuals the sight and sound of the display were even better than usual - because it almost didn't occur. Funding for the fireworks display, usually coming from the city administration, was cut earlier this year to help the city respond to reduced operating funds.
As the date drew near and the reality set in that the city may not get to celebrate the 4th of July with the annual fireworks show, concerned citizens started a grassroots effort to save the fireworks. This group, lead by Pastor Dennis Gruger of the Bowling Green Alliance Church, assisted by Earlene Kilpatrick of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and many others, raised approximately $14,000 in just three weeks. The many donations came from a wide mix of local churches, businesses, and individuals.
A special surprise also came in the form of an award the city of Bowling Green won in the “Bring Back the Fourth” contest conducted by the First Federal Bank. The prize for the city was $10,000, which was added to the Fireworks fund.
The amount raised locally along with the contest prize was enough to fully fund the 2010 fireworks show and to set aside funds towards next year's event. The Save the Fireworks fund has been established to continue accepting donations to support future year's 4th of July fireworks shows in Bowling Green. Information on making donations to the fund is available from the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce.