Council here has approved financial support for this year’s July 1 fireworks display in Drayton, answering the call from fire department officials who said the annual event was in jeopardy without the township’s help.
Jason Jack, treasurer of the Firefighter Associations of the Drayton and Moorefield stations, said in a report to council the 2009 fireworks display, funded by local dairy farmers, ran a deficit of $2,522.
“Our associations do not have the means to have shortfalls like we experienced,” Jack said in his report. “Without financial help this event is in jeopardy.”
He explained the annual budget for the fireworks display is around $11,000. He noted firefighters donate “countless” hours to the event but do not charge admission, instead asking for donations to multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy charities.
“The events that are put on throughout the year are done in an effort to raise funds for charity, and certainly not to profit from,” Jack said.
Clerk Patty Sinnamon, also the township’s economic development officer, said she supports the fire department’s request and added there are plans to expand the July 1 event in the future.
“I think this an excellent opportunity to bring people to our community,” Sinnamon said. She called the annual Drayton fireworks display “outstanding” and “one of the best [displays] in the area.”
She recommended the township support a donation of “up to $3,000” to assist with the 2010 display, with the final figure depending on how much is raised by the firefighter associations.
Council unanimously approved the recommendation.
