Mercer Island’s hometown Summer Celebration! Fireworks event is in jeopardy again this year, and the Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department needs the public's help to keep the Island tradition going.
Due to the recession, the City of Mercer Island stopped funding the annual Saturday night fireworks show in 2010 and the $28,000 in funding needed to put on the show was not restored in the 2013-2014 adopted budget.
Seventy-five percent of the funding needs to be raised by March 1, 2013 to hold the Summer Celebration Firework event at Luther Burbank Park — tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2013 — or else the event will be cancelled. Corporate donors have but won't offer the same level of support this year.
Held the second full weekend of July, Summer Celebration! includes a special evening of Fireworks, food, and entertainment. This annual event has become not only a tradition, but a reunion for old friends. Islanders bring their picnic baskets, blankets and chairs, and find the perfect spot on the hillside of Luther Burbank Park to settle in for a memorable summer evening on the lake.
Residents and officials say the highlight of Summer Celebration! has always been the Island's very own firework show displayed from a barge on the lake, in front of the park. Luther Burbank Park is packed from one end to the other with people of all ages.
The public can help by making a donation in any amount to help save this community tradition.
Easy ways to donate include visiting www.miparks.net and donate through PayPal, call the Community Center at 206-275-7609, or mail a check to SC! Fireworks 2040 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Are you a company that would like to sponsor to save this event? Please call Recreation Superintendent, Diane Mortenson at 206-275-7861.
