Huntington Woods Fireworks in Danger of Fizzling Out

As the budget noose tightens around cities throughout Michigan, Huntington Woods is getting creative to preserve one of its beloved traditions: the Fourth of July fireworks.

Mayor Ronald Gillham is seeking residents who would like to help him with the Save the Fireworks committee, which will work to raise funds for the annual event.

The fireworks, which Gillham said cost approximately $14,000 to put on, have been funded in the past largely by the residents' association and Men's Club, with the city covering the balance, the mayor said.

"Under the trying times we're under, we need to cut costs," Gillham said. "We understand people like the fireworks and we want to keep them as a tradition, but if we have to keep paying more and more, there may be some things we have to drop."

The city is scheduled to receive its annual audit report later this month and, if  is any indication, the financial forecast likely will be bleak. Declining property values have meant fewer tax dollars collected and less state-revenue sharing money for local communities.

"You can't spend money you don't have," Gilham said.

So, the mayor is calling on residents to help him raise money for the patriotic party. The Save the Fireworks committee will solicit donations and may put together a fun run fundraiser, he said.

"We're trying to get people involved," Gillham said. "That's the whole thing."

If you would like to volunteer for the committee, contact Mayor Gillham at 248-546-8288. If you would like to make a donation, the mayor suggests sending a check made out to the City of Huntington Woods to the  at 26815 Scotia, Huntington Woods, MI  48070, c/o Save the Fireworks. The gift is tax deductible.