(Arnolds Park)– A massive fundraising campaign is underway to build a new fireworks barge for the Iowa Great Lakes Area.
The former barge was destroyed in a mishap July 26th of last year in which a shell mis-fired and landed on a turret, starting the barge on fire. Tom Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Chamber, was firing off the display when the mishap took place. He escaped injury, but the barge was destroyed.
Now Kuhlman says they’re building a new barge that will be used by a fireworks company with whom they’ve contracted to set off future displays on West Lake Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and Silver Lake at Lake Park.
Kuhlman says the chamber’s Fireworks Committee, Big Spirit Lake Protective Association and the Lake Park Fireworks Committee are heading up the fundraising. He says they’re hoping to raise 50-thousand dollars for the barge and safety equipment. In addition, Kuhlman says each entity will also raise money for their respective shows.
The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce will be sending out four thousand letters to businesses and residents in the next week or so seeking contributions.
