‘They were the best we ever had,? was the only way Carl Cyrowski could describe Lake Orion’s firework display on Saturday.
Cyrowski is a member of the Lake Orion Fireworks Association. This year, they ordered a $25,000 show and are now just a few hundred dollars short of reaching their final goal.
‘We decided to have the best show we ever had because of the economy,? said Cyrowski. ‘We didn’t want to take one more thing away from the people.?
This year’s show lasted 41 minutes and included a five-minute grand finale.
‘We ordered it without having a lot of money,? Cyrowski said. ‘We’re still short, but we’re closer.?
The association is at $23,342 as of Monday afternoon, and is still in search of a few more donations to make their payment to Wolverine Fireworks, who agreed to wait for it because of its longstanding history with Lake Orion.
In the last weeks leading up to the fireworks, several businesses stepped up to the plate to help with funding, Cyrowski said.
At the Culver’s event last week, the restaurant donated $500 from their ten-percent-off event and another $500 after selling custard on the lake.
Hollywood Market helped out by selling hot dogs. It donated all $1,200 in proceeds to the fireworks association. Association members Tina Peterson, Nattasha Preston and Laureen Krause also sold t-shirts and took donations there, raising nearly $2,000.
‘We have so many people to thank who helped out on everything,? Cyrowski said.
The association is planning one more fundraiser this summer but hasn’t decided when and where, yet. Keep reading The Review for ways the public can help.
The fireworks celebration was a success as far as safety and participation goes, according to the village and the Lake Orion Police Department.
‘From my understanding, everything went well,? said Village Manager Paul Zelenak. ‘We heard good comments from attendees who said they could see them better.?
Lieutenant Harold Rossman said the evening went very smoothly.
‘There was no report of assault, no wild parties, residents and visitors behaved themselves and there were no traffic issues,? he said.