Chamber needs fireworks help

To the editor:

On behalf of the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce I would like to extend a thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered in the Fourth of July festivities. Additionally, the chamber would like to thank all the businesses and residents and especially the Eagles club for their generous monetary donations for the fireworks. The chamber is a non-profit organization who volunteer their time to bring such events to our community.

In a time where gas prices are affecting us all, we really appreciate that our community hosts fun, family-oriented events so close to home. Every month the board meets and discusses ways to improve these events for the residents of not only our community, but visitors to our community. On the chopping block every year, for financial reasons, are the Fourth of July fireworks. Insurance and the cost of the fireworks display increases yearly. Careful consideration was taken when the decision was made to move the fireworks to the third of July.

A decision had to be made as to not having them at all, or moving them to the third and continuing this patriotic community tradition. In addition, some board members felt having them in conjunction with Main Street Wellington's concert in the village, was not only convenient but allowed for more spectators as the next day is a holiday off work for most people. Local businesses and the Wellington Eagles contribute greatly to this event; however more monies are required to move the date and or have them at all.

We apologize if we have inconvenienced anyone; our intentions were to provide the community with the best fireworks celebration the chamber money would allow.

Thank you to everyone who made donations at the Fairgrounds gates and elsewhere and thank you to Kiwanis for volunteering time to take those collections. They are greatly appreciated. If you wish to make a donation for the 2009 fireworks you may do so by sending a check or money order in care of: Wellington Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 42, Wellington, 44090.

Virginia Haynes

Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce president