Batavia July 4 Firework Show Short On Funds, Organizers Ask For Help

BATAVIA, IL — With July 4 just weeks away, the Batavia Fireworks Committee is asking residents for donations to help put on the annual Batavia Fireworks Show.

Currently, organizers said they're "several thousand dollars short" of "delivering another fabulous Sky Concert," typically hosted after dusk on Independence Day.

"The Batavia Fireworks Committee (ten hard-working citizens of Batavia) has to raise $40,000 each year to put on this amazing show that sets off fireworks to music," organizers said in a news release Thursday. "Taxpayer dollars have NEVER been used to pay for these fireworks; therefore, each year new monies have to be raised to make this annual tradition in our town possible."

Residents wanting to help can do so in several ways. Organizers said people can volunteer the night of the show, make a donation, or refer organizers to a food truck wanting to contribute to the event.

Organizers describe all options — and the perks of various donation sizes — in a post online. For example, locals who make a donation of $25 or more will receive a yard sign to show their support for the firework show. If a not-for-profit group helps staff parking lots on July 4, 10 percent of money earned at those lots will be returned to their organization.

Donations can be made by submitting a payment online or stopping by City Hall, at 100 N. Island Ave., to drop off a check and pick up a yard sign.

To sign up to volunteer or ask questions, residents can contact Mark Davis, committee chairman, at mdavis@cityofbatavia.net.

"With your help, Batavia’s unwavering patriotic spirit will once again make this grand tradition possible for generations of viewers on our nation’s birthday!" the release reads.