Tue Mar 16 2010
by Laura Freeman
Reporter
Hudson -- A local organization will again help light up the skies to celebrate Independence Day this year.
The Hudson Community Foundation has announced the annual Independence Day fireworks display is scheduled for July 3 at dusk, with a rain date of July 5.
The show will take place at Barlow Farm Park. Parking is available at Oak Grove Park, Little Tikes and JoAnn Stores Inc. Handicap parking is available at Little Tikes from Stow Road, and VIP parking is at Sagamore Soils from Stow Road.
Bus shuttles will provide transportation from JoAnn Stores to Barlow Farm Park from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Bill Sedlacek, chair of the Hudson Community Foundation's fireworks committee, said the show will last approximately 30 to 40 minutes with a continuous stream of fireworks provided by American Fireworks, a Hudson company. Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people are expected to attend.
"I grew up in Hudson and remember going to fireworks on the Village Green 40 years ago, and it was a great event," Sedlacek said.
The foundation paid about $35,000 for the fireworks this year compared to last year's $30,000 price tag.
"American Fireworks put on a great show for the home town, Sedlacek said. "They give us a hometown discount, and the city steps up donating all its services for the night and defrays our costs."
Patrons may bring water, a picnic dinner or snacks, but no alcoholic beverages are permitted. Hudson's Restaurant will sell food and drink near the Barlow Farm Park entrance.
Portable toilets will be on site, and patrons are asked to clean up trash.
Communications Manager Jody Roberts said the city provides safety forces on site, traffic control, street closures, trash pickup and miscellaneous services for the event. In the past, the cost to the city has been approximately $31,000. The cost for this year won't be known until after the event, but city staff is looking at ways to reduce costs without jeopardizing safety, she added.
When lack of funding put the lights out on the fireworks display in 2006, the Hudson Community Foundation stepped up to take on the task of raising funds for the event.
The goal is to raise $500,000 for an endowment fund for future shows, Sedlacek said. The foundation is just approaching $100,000 in the endowment fund and hopes it grows.
The foundation sends letters to residents and businesses asking for support.
"We want the community to support it." Sedlacek said. "The money taken in goes back into community."
Sedlacek said although more people are donating to the fund, the donation amounts have been lower this year.
"We've been able to cover costs this year and make a contribution toward the endowment, but we're short of our goal of $50,000 per year for 10 years," Sedlacek said. "Once we reach out goal of $500,000, we won't have to ask for as much support."
The Hudson Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that sponsors and underwrites youth, art and community programs. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 944, Hudson 44236, or dropped off at the Hudson Community Foundation office at the Baldwin House, 49 E. Main St.
For more information on Hudson Community Foundation, call 330-655-3580 or visit www.hudsoncommunityfoundation.org.
E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150
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