BRATTLEBORO — Fireworks.
Bursts of impossibly bright colors cascading through a night sky.
Fourth of July fireworks have graced the sky above Brattleboro going on 42 years. They're a community tradition that a local company is stepping up to preserve.
With a fundraising goal of $5,000, Brattleboro Savings & Loan (BS&L) has stepped forward to spearhead the fundraising campaign for Brattleboro's Fourth of July fireworks.
“We want our community to enjoy this special day with friends and family, and the fireworks play a big role in making those memories,” wrote Brandie Starr of BS&L on a crowd-funding site called YouCaring.com. “Please join us in ensuring that this experience is here for us again this year!”
The local financial institution launched its fundraising campaign on April 7. Donations can be made online or by contacting the bank.
Starr said the Fourth of July Fireworks will be a recipient at one of the Whetstone Station and Brewery's Community Pint Nights. Starr described pint nights as “a fun opportunity to grab a bite, drink a beer, and donate to the causes that are near and dear to your heart.”
Starr said Recreation and Parks Director Carol Lolatte approached the savings and loan asking for a full sponsorship of the fireworks.
The company had already allocated its charitable giving for the year, said Starr. But, BS&L wanted to help.
A fundraising campaign was the next creative way BS&L could step up, she said.
Taking an active role in running a fundraising campaign is new for the bank, said Starr.
“I'm very excited,” she said. “Usually a bank [receives a request] on paper and you send it out on a paper check.”
Entergy once footed the fireworks bill. With the closing of its Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, the corporation stepped down its charitable giving to multiple local nonprofits.
Last year marked a sea change in funding for “By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” citizens committee. The committee reached out to the community to help fund the day of festivities.
A hallmark of the July 4 parade, which goes down Canal and Main streets to the town Common, is that its open to every local organization or political group.
After the parade, the town Recreation and Parks Department traditionally offers a series of family activities at Living Memorial Park throughout the afternoon. The fireworks at dusk cap off the day.
Starr said that BS&L appreciates the efforts of Brattleboro Goes Fourth. The all-volunteer committee represents a grassroots organization providing a direct benefit to the community.
People come together with family, friends, and neighbors for the Fourth of July activities, she said. This coming together is a positive tradition the community would benefit from preserving.
“We invest in what you love, because we love it too,” said Starr.