Thousands Raised To Keep Manhattan Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

MANHATTAN, IL - The Labor Day weekend tradition of putting on a fireworks display in Manhattan will continue this year after several local organizations, businesses and individual residents teamed to raise the $7,500 it takes to put on the show. The show was in jeopardy earlier this summer when the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce announced it would not have the funds in the budget to fully support the show like it had in 2016 and 2017, when the Chamber split the cost with local businesses.

It took only five weeks for the community to raise the money that was necessary to keep the show, Chamber officials have said. Checks were dropped off at the Chamber and mailed and the local ACE Hardware store offered a change round-up option to all customers to help add to the total. A GoFundMe effort raised more than $1,000 of the total.

"The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce set a goal of continuing the tradition of a Labor Day Fireworks display. We achieved that goal with the help of our members, community businesses, and the residents of Manhattan and nearby communities," said Erin McDonough, vice president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. "We couldn't be happier with the outpouring of support that we have seen. It is because of our community that the tradition of Labor Day Fireworks will continue in Manhattan."

While fireworks will remain a highlighted feature of the holiday weekend in Manhattan, the date will be changed. This year, the fireworks show will be held on Sunday, Sept. 2 rather than Labor Day Monday as has been tradition.

The event will begin around 8:30 p.m., with the fireworks set up to take place near the Manhattan train station. Viewers are encouraged to either gather in Central Park or watch from their homes.

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