The Kewanee Chamber of Commerce director would like this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display to be even more spectacular than usual.

In this 250th anniversary year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Fourth takes on added significance, said Mark Mikenas. 

The Kewanee Chamber of Commerce sponsors the fireworks, and every year raises funds for the display from contributions from local residents and businesses.

“I’m on my annual plea,” Mikenas said. “Our program costs a lot of money to put on.”

It usually costs $12,000 to $15,000 to put on the fireworks show, he said.  But because of the significance of the milestone anniversary, Mikenas would like to put on an even bigger display.

“If I could get just one dollar from every Kewanee resident, plus the corporate donations we get, we could have a great program,” he said.

Already, Save-A-Lot has agreed to do a “roundup” fundraiser for the fireworks. Other local businesses will also chip in. And donation canisters will be placed in stores where customers can contribute.

One fundraising method he won’t try, Mikenas said, is passing the hat in Northeast Park, where people gather to get a good look at the fireworks.

He said it wouldn’t be right to “guilt” people into contributing while they’re watching the show.

The Fourth of July is always a big event around Kewanee. The Francis Park celebration — which includes a tractor parade and show, an antique car show, tours of Woodland Palace and food tents — will be held again.

And there will be fireworks displays not just in Northeast Park but at Kim Cernovich’s property on Red Adams Road. 

“Kewanee’s lucky,” Mikenas said. “They get two shows.”