Guest Opinion: Group working to bring fireworks back to Brookings | Opinion
After a two-year hiatus, the community of Brookings and Harbor can expect to see, hear, and feel the love this 4th of July. At least, if one local citizen has his way.
Recently, Henry Johnson, a Harbor resident, announced he had formed a small group of citizens focused on returning the Brookings-Harbor Fireworks Show to Sporthaven Beach. His group has selected “Love Your 4th” as their theme and has kicked off a tiered fundraising campaign through emails, Facebook, a website donation link, radio interviews, business sponsorships and even coin jars at some local businesses.
“I am really excited about bringing back the fireworks to our town” stated Johnson. “In fact, I have already had several great local businesses step up to the table for our community.”
These businesses, called “Foundation Sponsors” include Bret and Marie Curtis with REMAX Coast & Country; South Coast Lumber Co. and Pacific Wood Laminates; Lucky 7 Hotel & Casino and The Beachfront Inn.
Devin Jacot, director of marketing for Lucky 7, when asked about the sponsorship said, “Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel is honored to help support an important community event for both our friends and neighbors and the local tourism economy.”
Nick Bonkoski, general manager for the Beachfront Inn echoed those same sentiments, saying that he and the hotel were proud to be a sponsor so that they can help “bring our community together to celebrate our freedoms.”
There’s still a great need for additional sponsors adds Johnson.
“We want to make sure the fireworks can continue to be funded for 2022 and beyond. We have two sponsorship levels set up. The $500 Liberty Bell, and the $250 Friend of the 4th sponsorship both offer different tiers of benefits for businesses or individuals. Anyone interested in purchasing a sponsorship can go directly to LoveCurryCounty.com and download the Sponsorship Packet. Of course, anyone can donate any amount they wish.”
On Saturday, February 19, from 11 am-3 pm, the Friends of the 4th will be at the grocery entrance of Fred Meyers accepting donations for those wishing to stop by and lend their support.
Johnson’s group has partnered with the City of Brookings, too.
“The city has been great. They see the benefit of having this event in our community and have agreed to help support the fireworks show with accounting and by hosting our online fundraising collection link. Everyone can rest easy knowing their money is safe and only going to the fireworks. Plus, it’s a tax deduction.”
Janell Howard, city manager for the city of Brookings, affirmed that the city has agreed to act as an administrator for the Friends of the 4th group’s finances. The city has also agreed to help sponsor the fireworks show by using some of the city’s Transient Lodging Funds. This money is gathered through the local transient occupancy tax and earmarked for use on projects or infrastructure that helps to boost tourism in the area. Travel Curry Coast, the tourism and promotions arm of Curry County has also lent their financial support.
“This is yet another great example of support for our community driven by the passion of our citizens.” said Leslie Wilkinson, chair of the Tourism and Promotions Committee.
You can find out more by visiting LoveCurryCounty.com. Meanwhile, donations can be made on the website or their collection jars. Johnson asks that if you are interested in being a title sponsor, or if you have any questions that you reach out to him at [email protected].