Photo by Rob Alway, MCP.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — Independence Day in Ludington means the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival which features, among other events, the Grand Parade and the fireworks show on the lakeshore. But, this year’s fireworks show, observing the 249th birthday of the United States, may be in jeopardy.
The Freedom Festival is completely funded through donations. The JCI Ludington, formerly known as Ludington Area Jaycees,receive no tax dollars from the City of Ludington or from any other governmental entity. To date, the organization has only raised $600 for the $60,000 fireworks show. It is pleading for the public to contribute.
JCI Ludington is a networking organization of young adults that performs various service projects throughout Mason County. It operates the Jaycees Mini Golf at Stearns Park which provides some funds for the Freedom Festival along with local charities.
“While JCI Ludington has had fundraisers and asked for donations, we are struggling to cover the costs of even a portion of the fireworks,” said JCI member Cydney Schmock. “With this trend, we are considering how the future of this event will look with smaller or shorter fireworks displays due to cost, or less events to cut permitting costs, security needs, and bathrooms.
“The Freedom Festival is a 71 year tradition with many people noting it as the best Fourth of July tradition in the state. Unfortunately this title and tradition may have a wavering future as JCI Ludington absorbs all costs for this event and do not have the income to support the sustainability of this event.”
According to JCI Ludington, the Independence Day celebration brings over 50,000 people to downtown Ludington each year.
Those wishing to donate to the Freedom Festival may click on this link, or send checks to JCI Ludington, PO Box 411, Ludington, MI 49431. For questions, email info@jciludington.org. For more information, visit www.jciludington.org.
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