Updated: Wednesday, 8:52 p.m.
Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall told KSOK-NewsCow Wednesday morning that fundraising efforts are behind when it comes to the city’s 4th of July fireworks show.
“We are struggling with donations for the Fourth of July,” Wall said. “We’re about halfway there, which, is a month out, and not a great place to be.”
Wall, who visited the KSOK studios Wednesday morning live during the Get Up & Go Show, said the fireworks show’s current handlers are looking to pass the torch of organization and leadership to new hands.
“The current group that has been doing it is ready to move on,” he said. “And the fundraising is lagging, so we need some folks to step up and do that.”
Wall later clarified Wednesday that the Rotary Club has managed and works on much of the fundraising for the fireworks show, while the City typically chips in $1,000 of the show’s $12,000 price tag.
The City helps make up the difference further if private contributions fail to close the gap.
Wall’s Full Radio Interview Can Be Heard Below:
While there have been several reports of a shortage of fireworks and rise in price at the state and national level, Wall said such hurdles do not exist for the Winfield Independence Day show.
“We’ve locked in a contract for our display show, so there really is no issue there for us,” Wall said. “Of course, every year it seems like, there’s always something going on with the fireworks market, so, generally that cost doesn’t ever go down.”
However, Wall again focused on the need for renewed fundraising and leadership efforts for future Winfield fireworks shows on the 4th.
“Really, in the future, the question is, ‘Is the show in jeopardy?’ Wall said. “The City, the governing body, basically made the decision that they wanted to see it through for 2021, regardless.
“But, there are some outstanding issues to be addressed in the future, including, of course, donations and leadership.”
