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SALT LAKE CITY — While the Fourth of July may seem a long way off, a group of Sugar House residents are hard at work trying to preserve the annual fireworks show.
In 2009, Salt Lake City officials announced they would no longer fund the annual Sugar House Park Fourth of July fireworks show. When Sugar House resident Scott Workman found out, he said knew he had to do something.
“I called the city right after they canceled the show and started attending meetings,” Workman said. “We were able to figure out how to get in touch with the right people and had a huge movement in 2010 to save the fireworks.”
Workman said the group was able to confirm sponsors for the 2010 show relatively fast, but the support for the $65,000 has been harder to drum up in later years.
“The message didn’t get out that every year we need to save the fireworks,” Workman said. “I think in everyone’s mind they just think ‘oh, it’s saved.'”
He’s had a harder time finding big sponsors to step up for the 2014 show, and said the group is still about $30,000 short of its fundraising goal.
“We’ve lost a sponsor and another one has cut back,” Workman said. “We’re quite shy of our budget. That’s kind of the mode I’m in right now, trying to bring in more sponsors.”
The message didn't get out that every year we need to save the fireworks. I think in everyone's mind they just think 'oh, it's saved.'
–Scott Workman
Workman said the city is still a major donor to the event. If individuals want to contribute, T-shirts are available for purchase* at SugarHouseFireworks.com. Workman also encouraged people to sign up on the group's mailing list to receive updates on the progress of the fundraising.
“This is a great community event,” Workman said. “We’ve been able to grow it into an all-day festival with live bands and activities for the kids. We’d like to see it stay around for many years.”
*Disclaimer: ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.*
