Organizers expect big crowds at fireworks shows
By ERIC SCHELKOPF
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eschelkopf@kcchronicle.com
BATAVIA – Batavia’s fireworks show is always a popular one, attracting thousands of people every year from across the area.
With other communities such as North Aurora and Elburn canceling their celebrations because of lean budgets, Batavia Fireworks Chair Roger Breisch expects next weekend’s crowd to be even bigger.
“We are expecting a huge crowd this year,” Breisch said. “But we will have enough room for people.”
Batavia and St. Charles are the only two communities in central Kane County that will have fireworks shows on the Fourth of July.
Geneva does not put on a fireworks show. However, there will be a fireworks show July 3 at Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva after the Kane County Cougars play.
As was the case last year, the main viewing area for Batavia’s fireworks will be Engstrom Park at the corner of Main and Millview streets. Overflow seating will be at the nearby athletic fields at Batavia High School.
The 30-minute fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks committee is working with the Batavia School District to broadcast the show’s music through the football field sound system.
“I feel comfortable we will have music at the field,” Breisch said.
Food vendors will be selling fare from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Engstrom Park. If rain cancels the show, it will be held July 5, weather permitting.
The Batavia fireworks show is organized every year by a group of volunteers and paid for completely by donations. The fireworks committee hopes to raise more money this year after last year’s budget deficit of about $7,000. Although the committee has built up reserves to cover any losses, Breisch said they won’t last forever.
“We probably collect about $10,000 in donations the day of the show,” Breisch said. “We’re OK for the 2009 show and probably for the 2010 show.”
Last year’s show cost about $35,000 to put on, and the committee is putting on a similar-sized show this year.
In the face of rough economic times, St. Charles Park District is going ahead with its fireworks celebration at Pottawatomie Park on July 4.
“We are not cutting back this year,” said Erika Young, the park district’s marketing manager. “We planned the budget the previous year.”
Young said the show will be similar to last year.
“We spend a little more than $25,000 annually on fireworks,” she said. Funding comes from the park district, the city of St. Charles and various sponsors.
In the event of rain, the show will be scheduled for the next clear evening.
To save costs, the city of Aurora and the village of North Aurora are joining together to celebrate Independence Day.
Activities will start at 6:45 p.m. July 3 on the grounds of the Illinois Math and Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic High School in Aurora. The schools are located between Edgelawn Drive, Randall Road, Sullivan Road and Indian Trail on the city’s west side.
North Aurora will provide police officers to help with crowd and traffic control as well as sponsor skydivers that will descend during the celebration. North Aurora’s contribution to the event will equal $4,000.
“The site of the fireworks is easily accessible and visible from both communities,” North Aurora Village President Dale Berman said.
Want to go?
•Batavia fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Engstrom Park, Main and Millview streets, Batavia. More information is at www.bataviafireworks.org.
•St. Charles Park District will hold a fireworks celebration July 4 at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. The band Red Woody will play starting at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at dark. More information is at www.stcparks.org.
•Aurora-North Aurora Independence Day Celebration – Activities will start at 6:45 p.m. July 3 on the grounds of the Illinois Math and Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic High School in Aurora. More information is at www.vil.north-aurora.il.us
