Fund established for Cape Girardeau July 4 donations

There's a little money down, but still a lot to go for a professional fireworks display to light up the night sky this July 4 in Cape Girardeau.

A chapter of the veterans group USA Veterans is looking for contributions to help pay for a 20-minute display now that a donor who wants to remain anonymous has agreed to foot half the $12,000 bill.

Rodger Brown, commander of the Headquarters chapter, on Tuesday said an agreement with a local donor materialized to match up to $6,000 in contributions toward a display and an arrangement with the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Foundation to accept contributions on behalf of the group is now official.

Local veterans groups have spearheaded the effort to keep holding a fireworks display in Cape Girardeau since 2009, when the city, citing a lack of funds, stopped paying for a show.

Brown said $500 toward a $6,000 goal already has been collected and he is hopeful the community will pitch in so the display can happen.

"We need to challenge the good people of Cape Girardeau to do this because this is for them," Brown said.

A large fireworks display has in the past been a mainstay of the local celebration of the holiday.

Parks and recreation director Julia Thompson said the foundation will collect and manage contributions so money is handled in a way that is transparent. The city also has agreed to waive a fee for the use of Arena Park on July 4, along with associated costs of police and fire protection.

The city was finalizing a contribution form Tuesday that should be available to the public by today through the city's website and at the parks office at Arena Park, according to Thompson.

Brown said contributions will be accepted through June 1, giving him time to order the fireworks in advance.

Thompson said contributions can be made using a credit card, cash or check, and forms can be sent and received by fax, email, phone request and picked up and dropped off at the parks office at 410 Kiwanis Drive in Arena Park.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 339-6340 or visit cityofcape.org.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.