American Legion donation gives boost to Colon fireworks fundraising

A Colon-based, grassroots organization recently got a boost in its effort to continue the village’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

Sparkle Fireworks Inc., incorporated in 2008, was the recipient of a recent $1,000 gift from the Colon American Legion. Sparkle is preceded by what was formerly known as the Colon Fourth of July Parade Committee.

Sparkle member Beth Adams said there is no outside funding for the village’s Fourth of July fireworks program. The cost to stage what is considered the top fireworks show in the county has now exceeded $9,000, she said.

“There’s no village, there’s no township, no sponsors, no nothing … the fireworks show is primarily done through donations,” Adams said. “We rely on the generosity of those in attendance at the (July 4) parade, where we pass around a can and collect change and occasionally some paper money, we set cans on countertops at businesses around the community and we also sell the rabbit ears (cinnamon-sugar treat) during special events in town.”

Mikeal Smoker, representing the Colon American Legion, said the $1,000 donation will hopefully inspire local businesses and individuals to consider helping Sparkle reach its $10,000 goal.

He said the Legion is a benevolent organization always interested in helping the community any way it can.

“We know the cost of fireworks went up this year and they will presumably be higher next year and we knew Sparkle was struggling with donations,” Smoker said, “So, the Sons of the American Legion wanted to help out.”

Colon American Legion Commander Jim May continued.

“It was brought to the table at one of our meetings that what was collected and what was spent (for the 2022 fireworks show) were two different things, so we knew right away there was a need,” he said. “The second Sunday of every month, our biggest thing that we do is an all-you-can-eat breakfast. It’s going very well and … we always look to see what more we can do and it was brought to the table that Sparkle needed the help. It was a unanimous vote, so we decided to help out with a donation toward the 2023 fireworks.”

The monthly breakfast typically draws between 80 and 90 people, Smoker said.

Anyone interested in helping support the 2023 fireworks show can make a contribution at the Legion.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Donation gives boost to Colon fireworks fundraising