Poulsbo's Fireworks Over the Fjord needs donations

POULSBO — The Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort has donated two-thirds of the cost of Fireworks Over the Fjord, and Viking Fest Corporation president Ron Krell is confident the group can close the remaining fundraising gap.

“There is going to be a Third of July fireworks,” Krell said. “I’m sure we’re going to get the support.”

The Viking Fest Corporation, which stepped up last year when Mike McLaughlin and Sandi Peterson’s funding efforts fell short, is heading up the event this year.

Krell is urging those who would normally purchase their own fireworks to instead donate that money to the Third of July display.

Aurora Fireworks and Boomtown Productions will produce a musically choreographed, aerial extravaganza this year over Liberty Bay. A trained pyrotechnist will manage the fireworks, which will be shot from a barge in the bay.

Johnathan Miller, owner of Boomtown Productions, said professional fireworks shows are a safe and sane alternative to lighting off fireworks at home.

“It helps keep the people from trying to do their own firework shows,” Miller said.

Because July 3 falls on a Saturday this year, the celebration is planned to kick off at noon and continue until 11 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to go off at 10:15 p.m. The Viking Fest corporation has lined up the Navy Band to play in Kvelstad Pavilion.

When the Viking Fest Corporation took over last year, they thought the 20-year tradition of Poulsbo’s Third of July was worth saving.

“We love the fireworks,” Krell said. “We just felt that it was something that the community really needed to see.”

For more information go to www.thirdofjuly.org.

Contact North Kitsap Herald Poulsbo Writer Leila Arciero at larciero@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464 .

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