Fireworks dependent on donations

Today’s edition contains a plea from the Hannibal Jaycees for donations to help cover the costs of the annual fireworks display, scheduled for dusk Friday.
The Jaycees have undertaken this project for a number of years, and each year make an attempt to come up with a bigger and better display than the previous year. One of the most popular events of the annual Tom Sawyer Days, the fireworks attract thousands of people who oohh and aahh as the sky lights up with various colors and hues.
The only legal fireworks allowed within the town’s city limits, the fireworks are a grand expression of patriotic respect paid on our country’s birthday.
This year’s flooding puts the Jaycees in a unique position of having to find a safe and practical place to present this annual show. Lover’s Leap was selected, and that high spot should allow a visible display for miles around.
Which takes us back to the original topic of this editorial - money.
Many watch these fireworks, but few cough up a donation to help defray expenses. A Jaycees representative told the Couier-Post that by this time last year, they had collected between $13,000 and $14,000 in pledges and donations. This year’s tally falls short of that amount by several thousand dollars.
Today, we’re asking you to chip in a few dollars to help fill the Jaycees’ coffers. If everyone helps just a little, then the show will be sure to be a grand experience for all.
By showing your generosity this year, the quality of next year’s show is all but assured.