The fireworks display at the Carroll County Farm Museum on the Fourth of July is in the red — and its supporters are hoping it continues that way.
"We had some seed money to start this year," said Tom Welliver, fireworks chairman for the Westminster Kiwanis Club. "It is going really well."
Last year marked the first time the Kiwanis took charge of the show. Now in its 35th year, the fireworks show on the Fourth of July was started by the Jaycees and then later run by the Rotary clubs.
Funded completely through donations, the show has been on shaky ground in the past, and was almost canceled one year. Starting this year's planning with a little leftover funding has lessened the urgency, but not the need, Welliver said.
"We want to keep this going well," Welliver said. "Sometimes urgency creates a great fundraiser, but we can't do it every year. We want to continue the quality of the show."
The production typically costs about $25,000, Welliver said. Besides the actual fireworks, the sum includes the costs of security, portable rest rooms and donations to the three charities that assist with parking — the Westminster Wolf Soccer Program, the Westminster Community of Shalom and the Carroll County Therapeutic Riding Program.
While most of the Kiwanis' fundraising efforts have focused on Westminster, the group is looking for donations from corporations and individuals throughout the county.
"We try to touch as many people as we can," Welliver said. "We accept donations from all over the county."
Approximately $11,000 is raised from the $5 fee per car for parking at the event, Welliver said. Surrounding neighbors, who walked to the event, contributed $3,000 last year.
"We have a great family event over there," Welliver said. "The main reason the Kiwanis wanted to be involved was because it is all about children and having a great family event."
Donations my be sent to The Carroll County Fireworks Fund, 776 Winchester Drive, Westminster, 21157 All donations are tax deductable.