Pottstown will let its colors burst once more on the Fourth of July.
Fireworks will “absolutely” be a part of this year’s Independence Day activities, according to Marcia Levengood, co-founder of Independence Day Ltd.
“We just have to raise the money,” she said.
Levengood said that a contract has been signed and a down payment is being processed for a fireworks display to cap the two-day celebration July 3 and 4 of this year.
There is still some concern about the funds to pay for the festivities, which will be themed to commemorate Pottstown’s bicentennial.
With fundraising started as early as October, so far the group has raised less than half of the money needed for the celebration. In a press release, Independence Day Ltd. stated that $15,396 has been raised, while the events will cost a total of $34,604.
“We are concerned with the amount that has been raised so far by the community, but $20,000 in two months is not a problem,” Levengood said.
Along with the annual parade and the fireworks, there are a number of events being planned for Memorial Park, including food vendors, entertainment and rides “similar to past years,” she said.
There will be a number of opportunities for the community to support the Fourth of July commemoration in Pottstown.
The group is working on a fundraising event with Sly Fox Brewing for May 14 in the tasting room. Levengood said details of that event will be released once details are finalized.
There will be a chance to meet the queens May 27 at McDonald’s on East High Street, all six of the local Homecoming queens that are raising funds for the chance to be crowned Fourth of July Queen. A portion of the proceeds will go to the festivities.
At the Pottstown Classic Car Show June 6, the queens will be on hand again, as well as Levengood, to rally guests to support the local Independence Day events.
Applebee’s on State Street is also getting on board, holding a flapjack fundraiser on the morning of June 20, from 8-10 a.m.
Those looking to support Pottstown’s Fourth of July can also give online through PayPal at www.Pottstown4thofJuly.org, by mail with a check payable to Independence Day Ltd. at P.O. Box 199, Pottstown PA, 19464, or in person at to donation accounts set up in the group’s name at more than a dozen area banks.
Donations can also be made directly to local Homecoming queens, and fans of all things patriotic can purchase an American flag beach towel for $20 from the queens as well.
Another way to support the parade is to nominate a Grand Marshal, Levengood said. The group is seeking nominations for a marshal chosen on contributions made to the community, before a selection is made June 14.
Levengood said that fundraising events are ramping up as the weather improves. She declined to say what would happen to the planned events if the fundraising goal is not met in time for Independence Day, saying instead that she in confident in the community.
“It’s a great local town in the Tri County Area. This gives our residents and opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and the Pottstown bicentennial in a truly American way with a parade and fireworks,” Levengood said. “This is a traditional, small town way to do it.”
