This office has been inundated for weeks with calls from media outlets as far reaching as the Wall Street Journal and ABC News in Washington DC regarding whether or not Lowell would be hosting fireworks this year. Who knew Lowell’s celebration was that central to the 4th of July holiday? Obviously, the real story behind all of this interest is the question of whether a community can afford to support such celebrations on strained municipal budgets. In the case of Lowell, with the reality of budget cuts and layoffs, the answer was a resounding “no”. Unfortunately, there was no way that the city could afford the $45,000 to fund such a celebration in the face of such dire fiscal times.
However, the other reality in the City of Lowell is when there is a need, those in our business community answer. The Lowell Co-operative Bank was the first to step up with a donation of $5,000. Greater Lowell Community Foundation came forward and facilitated a very successful fundraising campaign bringing in area businesses, particularly our local banks, to raise the necessary resources to fund a great 4th of July celebration including not only fireworks but a concert.
The skies over the Merrimack River at the Sampas Pavillion will light up on Friday, July 3rd in honor of Independence Day. In addition to the fireworks, a concert performance by the Lowell High School “Pops” will be held at Sampas Pavillion at 7 pm. Activities for the kids will take place between 4 and 7 pm. Refreshments will be sold to benefit a fundraiser to purchase new uniforms for the band.
We are so appreciative of this tremendous show of community spirit exhibited by the business community,John Thibault and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Lowell High School, the Mayor , and the city employees in coming together to put on this special evening for the families of Lowell and the surrounding communities.
What exactly is the reasoning behind having the fireworks on Friday the 3rd when independence day is the 4th, and having a day of celebration and bringing in business all Saturday before the fireworks would make more sense?
Maura, There wasn’t going to be a 4th of July Celebration with Fireworks in Lowell at all this year due to budget constraints. However, through the generosity of the business community and the aid of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation in facilitating the fundraising drive enough money was raised to put on the celebration. There has really only been a couple of weeks to bring all this together and the 3rd was the only day where a licensed fireworks technician could be secured. We’re very pleased to be able to put this on and also thrilled that on such short notice the LHS band has been willing to add to the festivities with a “Pops” concert. I hope you will come down and enjoy what promises to be a great evening.