Economy takes toll on fireworks show

SANDPOINT — The economy and declining sponsorships have taken their toll on the Sandpoint Lions’ Fourth of July celebration.

Major sponsors were unable to contribute to the club’s annual fireworks show, and others had to cut their donations dramatically because of the economy. That means instead of a half-hour show as in years past, the show likely will be about seven to 10 minutes long.

“It cost $34,000-$35,000 to put on the Fourth of July fireworks show in past years,” John Hunt, longtime Lions Club member, said. “The economy this year made it difficult.”

The cost to put on the fireworks show is about $1,000 per minute.

“Most people think the city does it,” Bill Lewis, Lions Club president, said. “I don’t think people realize the state we’re in.”

In addition to declining sponsorships, the club has seen a big drop in merchant sales for its raffle tickets.

Business owners have told club members they can’t afford to buy as many or even any tickets this year, Hunt said.

“Everyone’s scaled back because of the economy,” Hunt added.

Because of time constraints, the Lions Club members said there is little they can do about the size of this year’s show. While they might be able to increase their order slightly, it is doubtful that they can do so by a large amount, Lewis said.

The group is open to suggestions and ideas on how to make the show better — and to anyone in the community who wants to join the club.

The grand parade and children’s parade will still take place as planned as will a day-long concert at the beach. The Lions hope to partner with other community group’s for activities at the beach, said Lions Club secretary Nancy Lewis.

Lewis said she would love to hear from local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or 4-H groups willing to work with the Lions to put on “good old-fashioned games” at City Beach

While disappointed they won’t be able to put on a huge fireworks show this year, Lions Club members said that, with the community’s help, the event will be bigger and better than ever next year.

“ ‘Together, we are one’ is the theme this year,” Nancy Lewis said. “That’s what we need to have happen, the community needs to come together to help us out.”

For more information, to buy raffle tickets or to help with this year’s Fourth of July events, call Nancy Lewis at 263-7796.