‘Passing the hat’ for fireworks funds.

Pentwater Service Club, Chamber and Village officials again hope Homecoming parade spectators will put a few bucks in their canisters along the parade route to help pay for Pentwater’s two summertime fireworks displays to celebrate the Village’s 150th birthday. Pictured, left to right, are: front row – Chamber Director Eva Gregwer, Pam Roach, Pam Bonine, Village Office Assistant Judith DiMichele, DDA Chair Claudia Ressel-Hodan, Jim Howell, Katie Krause, and Glenn Beavis. Back row – Police Chief Laude Hartrum, Village Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Barb Siok, Village Manager Chris Brown, Village Clerk/Treasurer Colleen Moser, Village President Jeff Hodges, and Service Club President Ron Christians.

Homecoming fireworks set for Aug. 12

#PentwaterHomecoming2017

By Ron Beeber. Contributing Writer.

PENTWATER — Pentwater continues its ambitious celebrations of Homecoming and the Fourth of July with two fun fireworks displays each summer.

“But they only are possible because more and more Homecoming Parade spectators are putting a few bucks into the canisters of volunteers who walk along the parade route and ‘pass the hat,’” said Pentwater Chamber Executive Director Eva Gregwer. “It’s made the difference, the past couple of years, in meeting our fundraising goals. And because Pentwater Village is celebrating its Sesquicentennial this year, we’re spending a few thousand dollars more on the Aug. 12 fireworks.”

This year’s pair of fireworks will cost $15,000. No tax monies are used to help pay for them. Besides the freewill collection during the parade, those wanting to contribute can find canisters placed in various local businesses.

“Reaching our goal is only possible because businesses, organizations, residents, visitors and friends of Pentwater have continued to help fund them,” added Gregwer. “More dollars contributed mean longer, bigger fireworks, it’s that simple.”

This year’s Homecoming parade begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, and the collection is again being organized by the Pentwater Service Club to support the chamber’s fundraising challenge. “It’s part of our club’s stated purpose: Making a Great Place Even Better,” said 2016-17 Club President Ron Christians. This year’s pair of fireworks will cost $15,000. No tax monies are used to help pay for them. Besides the freewill collection during the parade, those wanting to contribute can find canisters placed in various local businesses.

Fireworks donations also can be made on-line at www.pentwater.org, dropped off at the Chamber office (324 S. Hancock Street) during business hours, or put through the mail slot there after hours. Also, contributions can be mailed to the Chamber at P.O. Box 614, Pentwater, MI 49449. Checks should be made payable to “Pentwater Chamber-Fireworks Fund.” For more information, call 231-869-4150.

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