Friday’s Fourth of July fireworks drive a success
Published 5:10 pm Saturday, June 1, 2013
Brad Skinness and Connie Kaupa stand at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street Friday afternoon collecting money as part of the annual fireworks fundraiser. — Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Albert Leans and visitors to the area will again be able to enjoy fireworks over Fountain Lake on the Fourth of July thanks to donations received Friday.
Residents, businesses and service clubs donated a little more than $16,000 during the annual fireworks fundraiser by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and KATE/KCPI Radio. The goal was $16,000.
Volunteer Tina Stripe collects a donation Friday during the fireworks fundraiser at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway.
Volunteers took to the streets at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street with buckets at 6 a.m. and continued through the afternoon. Though temperatures were favorable, volunteers endured heavy winds.
“We had a great group of volunteers,” said chamber Executive Director Randy Kehr, who noted that the fundraiser has been at the intersection for more than 20 years.
Kehr commended Minnesota Corrugated Box, whose employees collected $1,146 — more than in previous years — and for the company’s donation of $3,500.
Mrs. Gerry’s donated $1,200, and Alamco donated $250.
Kehr said countless other businesses and residents gave checks as well. He is touched every year when children donate, he added.
Albert Lea’s fireworks display — fired from City Beach — is done without any city funds. People gather around the shore of Fountain Lake and even in boats on the water to enjoy the Independence Day tradition.
