There is some bittersweet news for local Canada Day plans in Chatham as a donation has made fireworks possible, but the committee is still $10,000 short of its goal.
Kevin Neill, the treasurer for the Chatham Canada Day Committee, says the celebration is scheduled to start with fireworks on June 30, at St. Clair College, weather permitting. A parade will be held in the morning of July 1, followed by entertainment in Tecumseh Park.
Neill said the fireworks display was in jeopardy before receiving a $15,000 donation from an anonymous source.
"The community certainly spoke very loudly over the last couple years about their disappointment in the fireworks," Neill said. "Last year we were able to put on a great show, but this year we faced some challenges. Last week we had an anonymous donor come forward and say they'll cover the costs of the fireworks so we will be able to proceed with that part of the event, which is so important to so many of us."
Neill added it isn't all good news though, as the committee is still looking at a $10,000 shortfall and lack of volunteers to accomplish everything they have planned. The treasurer said if they can't hit the goal, the entertainment for the fireworks show on June 30 will have to be cut.
"Last year we had a stage with a live band," says Neill. "We were hoping to do that again, but because we are not getting the support financially, we had to take that out."
Neill said the live entertainment for the fireworks show can be reinserted if the committee gets enough donations. The treasurer added a GoFundMe page has been set up and there will be a booth at RetroFest this weekend for donations.
According to Neill, the committee is strictly based on volunteers and it needs more people to donate their time.
"We still need people to help with the parade to help manage the roadblocks," he says. "We also need volunteers down at Tecumseh Park to make sure we keep the park nice and clean. Last year we had a good crew of volunteers that were a huge help."
Neill added the event is really important for the community because it provides a family-friendly event that can be enjoyed by all the residents. He added it will not only keep people in Chatham-Kent, but bring many more visitors in from surrounding areas.
"It provides benefits for local businesses downtown," he says. "It brought thousands of people to downtown Chatham last year and we don't see why it would be any different this year."
Neill said anyone interested in volunteering can contact the committee via its Facebook page. He says you can also go to the booth at RetroFest or attend the next meeting on May 31, at 7pm at the YMCA for more information.