Fundraising for fireworks

LEWISTOWN - With the Juniata RiverFEST quickly approaching, the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is in search of local donations to help fund this years fireworks display.

Chamber President and Executive Director Jim Tunall said that this is the first year the Juniata River Valley Chamber has had a shortfall in funds.

A few years back, one or two businesses would split the cost of the fireworks display, which at the time was around $4,000. According to Tunall, the cost of this year's fireworks will be around $8,000.

The Juniata River Valley Chamber currently has about $5,000.

"Each year we do two big festivals, RiverFEST and the Festival of Ice," he said. "We have a bunch of good sponsors ... we've never had any problems raising the money in the past."

However, due to the struggling economy, Tunall said that area sponsors have not been able to donate as much.

"We have sponsors - official RiverFEST sponsors. We've lost maybe 25 or 30 percent of our sponsors and another 25 or 30 percent have reduced their donation," Tunall said.

Due to a written contract, the Juniata River Valley Chamber is obligated to pay Pyrotechnica - a fireworks company based out New Castle - the $8,000 in a week.

"We can't call the fireworks company and say we only have five grand ... because we have a contract," Tunall said.

He added that the Juniata River Valley Chamber is asking local businesses and individuals in the area to make a donation so "we can make the fireworks happen."

If anyone would like to donate please contact Tunall at 248-6713 or mail donations, marked "Fireworks" to Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, 1 W. Market St., Lewistown, PA 17044.

RiverFEST is set to begin at noon, with fireworks set to begin at 9:30 p.m. on June 27 at Victory Park, Lewistown.