It’s official, the pledge drive to bring back the Lake Union fireworks in 2010 has crested the $500,000 mark. They’re back on. See MyNorthWest.com for the tally. This still leaves a question mark with regards to the 2011 fireworks display, which is unlikely to get the same pledge drive activity, but hey, that’s next year.
There’s a healthy debate going on in the comments section of our last Fireworks post as to whether this is money well spent. Hear what your neighbors are saying and join the conversation.
As a Wallingford resident, I have a love/hate relationship with the fireworks, but I’m really proud of the Seattle businesses that came together so quickly. Perhaps this will abate the trashing of Starbucks at least for a little while. Wow, heath insurance for their workers and being a big part of saving the fireworks, not bad for an evil, multinational corporation.
Personally, I find the fireworks a pain and agree with Ivar’s that funds for fireworks are well spent on helping the homeless and other charities rather than literally burning resources for a party. I am as patriotic as any American yet this annual event seems to take over “my” neighborhood every year and is intrusive. However I do admire Seattle businesses for contributing to a region-wide celebration.
the main thing is: hopefully this will get those who’ve donated $1000+ to realize they need to do this for everyday needs, that the city can’t/won’t pay for, like senior services (LIKE OUR OWN WFORD SENIOR CENTER!), food banks and homeless shelters that are closing, etc!
Jen, I know what you mean. We often leave the area for the 4th to miss the crowds.
That being said, I’m glad to see the business and residential involvement in keeping a fireworks display happening for the 4th of July celebration here in the city. I do believe in big, visual community celebrations that hopefully inspire others to help their community, too. And this one celebration is traditionally well publicized and presented live throughout the region. It would have been sad to see the Edmonds fireworks display representing the region on the tube for the 4th.