Optimists accepting donations for Fourth of July display

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Jim O'Dea, Chairman of the McCook Optimist Fireworks Display Committee, has announced that the club has once again contracted with Stonebraker Rocky Mountain Fireworks Company of Denver to produce this year's fireworks extravaganza.

This is the third year that the McCook Optimist Club has sponsored the event with the financial support of individual and corporate donors, business sponsors and the McCook Daily Gazette.

This year's show will again be at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds beginning after night falls on Wednesday, July 4, 2007.

The grandstand at the Fairgrounds will be open to those wishing a close view of the show as in the past, although many enjoy the show in the Fairgrounds and Jaycee Ballpark Complex parking lots also.

P. Mark Graff, Treasurer for the event has announced that this year's fund drive has kicked off in successful fashion. Graff has emphasized that donations are still needed to allow the Club to continue this tradition in McCook as the Club has raised a little more than $2,000 toward its goal of $5,000.

Donations can be sent to the McCook Optimist Club, P. O. Box 272, McCook, NE 69001-0272. Donors and sponsors will be recognized after the event and there are six sponsorship levels.

The top support level is the "Golden Salute" for donors of $500 or more. The other sponsorship levels are: "Silver Salute" $200 -- $499, "Atomic Salute" $100 -- $199, "Comet" $50 -- $99, "Fireworks" $25 -- $49 and other donors of less than $25.

Jim commented that the Optimist Club voted to reestablish this tradition in McCook three years ago because of the need to continue to celebrate our country's independence.

"Our Optimist Club members remember that growing up one of the highlights of Independence Day was the great fireworks display that accompanied most every town's patriotic celebration. In McCook it was a tradition to go to the Elks Club to witness their incredible show. Not only did these displays color our summer skies, but they also brought a strong sense of pride in our homeland.

"We felt the need then to continue to provide the display on the fourth to remind ourselves and our youth of the privilege we have living in the United States."

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