Community comes together to raise funds for fireworks displays

If you are out and about in Weiser this Saturday, you might feel good knowing that the money you spend not only supports local businesses but will also help fund the fireworks displays for the town’s 2022 Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations.

 Everyone knows what fireworks mean for the Fourth, but they are also traditionally launched in conjunction with Santa lighting the community Christmas tree, which officially kicks off the holiday season in Weiser.

 Costs, however, have gone up this year.

 Bill Taylor and Pete Ney, the pyrotechnics who oversee the displays, have been working to raise enough money to ensure that the events go forward as planned.

 “They went in front of the city council a month ago and informed them that they were doing a fundraising effort because the fund was about $6,000 short,” explained Weiser Classic Candy owner Patrick Nauman who attended the May 9 meeting. “My old marketing brain kicked into high gear, and I started formulating a plan.”

 With the help of Idaho Pizza Company Manager Tammy Boven and Jennifer Huff, who has owned businesses in town, Nauman approached local business owners in Weiser, asking them to help out.

 “Now, this Saturday, we are having a ‘Funding for Fireworks’ kind of day and we have enlisted the help of the Weiser Elks Lodge,” Nauman said. “The Elks stepped up right away and they are sponsoring a silent auction and breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday.”

 In addition, businesses such as restaurants, bars, and coffee shops have committed to either donating a portion of their Saturday sales proceeds to the fund or placing a receptacle at their respective locations where the public can make donations.

 Judy’s Weiser In, which is typically closed on Saturdays, will hold a car wash at the restaurant, located at 1800 E. 6th St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 “It will be by donation and 100 percent of the donations will go to the fireworks fund,” Nauman said of the car wash. “The easiest way for the community to give, is to visit our local restaurants, bars, or coffee shops on Saturday and either drop a donation in the bucket or make a purchase and a portion of that purchase will go to the fund.”

 Nauman said his group collected almost $1,000 just by visiting with business owners.

 “Not that every community doesn’t have its people who always step up, but it never ceases to amaze me how, in this small town, regardless of economic standing, everybody finds a way to help out at one point or another,” he said. “We have our trials, tribulations, and struggles, yet when push comes to shove, we all come together. 

  The Fourth of July fireworks display is a long-time tradition and a part of what brings the community together during the natonal holiday. Without them, there would be a noticeable loss.