FIZZLED: ASSISTANCE NEEDED IF VFW IS TO HOLD FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Cape Girardeau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 has canceled the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, but an outpouring of interest could prompt it to reconsider.

Rodger Brown, coordinator last year's celebration, said the post hopes the community gets behind a celebration this year. The celebration is "something that our organization believes strongly in."

"But the community needs to know that unless people are willing to help, this cannot go on," said Brown.

The post needs people or organizations to help plan and fund a celebration and clean up afterwards, said Brown.

Most of the planning, fund raising and cleanup last year was done by VFW members. Last year's Fourth of July fireworks display at Arena Park was well attended, but attendance was low at other activities during the three-day holiday celebration.

At that time the veterans asked for community help in planning the 1998 celebration.

"We have had nearly zero participation," said Brown. "Appeals went out every way we could think of."

No one attended either of two planning meetings held this year. "That is a problem," said Brown. "Without help from the people we just can't get it done."

The veterans placed an advertisement in the Southeast Missourian over the weekend saying the fireworks display is canceled.

Brown said: "It's kind of like the Little Red Hen. Who will help me sow the wheat? Who will help us organize the activity?"

Years ago the Cape Girardeau Jaycees sponsored a Fourth of July observance. It abandoned the celebration, and Cape Girardeau was without one for many years. In 1992, the veterans started a free fireworks display, and the celebration was expanded each year since.

"Unlike other cities, this is not something provided by the city council or with tax dollars," Brown said. "This is actually service organizations and volunteers."

Attendance at the fireworks display has increased each year.

"We can tell by the attendance that the population of the region really wants to enjoy a Fourth of July celebration," Brown said. "But we can't do it alone."

IF YOU WANT TO HELP

Call Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 at 334-4438 or 334-2552 to offer assistance with the Fourth of July fireworks celebration.