At least one of America’s Founding Fathers would be pleased that Sidney continues to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks! John Adams, the country’s first vice-president and second president, frequently wrote to his wife, sometimes more than once a day.

On July 3, 1776, he wrote to Abigail (his wife): “It (July 4th) ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and Illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more. You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.”

Remember that at the time, it took him more than a week to travel from his home in what is now Quincy, Massachusetts to Philadelphia. Remember as well that there were no effective means of communication other than by word of mouth or by written correspondence. His many letters to Abigail have been the subject of entire books.

Despite his enthusiasm for properly celebrating America’s birthday, Sidney came close to suspending the July 4th fireworks display when the Great Recession forced the city to reduce staffing by 52 positions. City Council felt that simultaneously providing funds for the fireworks would be a slap in the face to those who had lost their jobs.

When I delivered my annual State of the City Address to the Sidney Rotary Club in 2012 and mentioned that there would be no fireworks, then Wilson Memorial Hospital President Tom Boecker was in the audience. He came to me following the meeting and advised that he would talk with his Board about the matter, but felt strongly that fireworks were an important tradition that he would very much like to see continue.

As it turned out, the hospital board agreed. They funded the fireworks in their entirety that year under the condition that “additional donors would be found in future years to help support the fireworks.”

Since then, donations have annually been solicited from local individuals and businesses to support the annual fireworks display. Corporate sponsorship levels are either $2500 (Arial Sponsors), $1500 (Missile Sponsors) or $1000 (Sparkler Sponsors).

Some of the sponsors have annually helped to provide the fireworks for the community since that first year. Joining Wilson Health as sponsors again this year were Emerson Climate Technologies, Buckeye Ford, NK Telco and S&S Hospitality Management. Making their initial appearance as sponsors of the fireworks this year were Ferguson Construction Company and Goffena Furniture.

In addition, the city of Sidney continues to support the fireworks through direct service. By law, once the fireworks are delivered, we have to have members of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on site. As a result, at least one firefighter is on hand during that entire time, and for much of the time, a second firefighter is also present. This year, that amounted to just over 22 hours. If rain forces delay of the show to the following day, you can see how that cost can skyrocket (no pun intended).

Fireworks are not inexpensive. In fact, Sidney’s fireworks display costs about a thousand dollars a minute. Larger, more dramatic shows can cost substantially more.

I would encourage those who attended the show to express their appreciation to those who helped make this year’s display possible. Simply saying thanks in person is fine. Taking time to write a note is wonderful. Actually purchasing products from the company involved and mentioning the fireworks at the time of your purchase would be the ultimate expression of appreciation.

As I have written previously, most local events would not be possible without the sponsorship funding from local businesses and individuals. The city of Sidney is fortunate to have so many who give generously.

Obviously, they can only give back to the community if they are making a profit. They can only make a profit if you purchase their products and services (another topic for another time — but buying locally makes sense for a host of reasons — this but one of them).

In conclusion, I will say that your expression of thanks makes asking for funding for the coming year so much easier. That is your contribution in helping to make next year’s show possible! And, if there are those within the community who would like to help fund next year’s fireworks display, feel free to contact me.