Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Batavia Alderman Susan Stark spoke candidly to the club about the troubling financial situation of the Batavia Fireworks, a 50-plus year tradition. The foundation is running out of money and is actually in danger of collapsing. Much of this is due to last year’s cancellation of the Loyalty Day Parade and the declining number of donations from parking in the BHS lot. To make matters worse, corporate sponsorship never recovered from the economic pullback. The fact is, Stark mentioned, that people think the city pays for the fireworks and they do not. It is fully funded by donations, the citywide garage sale, and event sales. She also explained alternatives for the event, and their many drawbacks. The club confirmed its ongoing commitment to the fireworks and will be giving $3000 again this year.