By Staff
The Niles Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Members were proud to once again sponsor the 2008 Fireworks last Thursday, July 3. This event was held at the Apple Festival Fairgrounds at 17th and Lake streets in Niles.
Many people have told me over the years they didn't realize that the Niles fireworks are totally funded by donations. That's why we do this column, to thank our members and the generous contributions that they make every year, the volunteers who donate their time year after year, and the donations we receive at the gates for parking. Without these contributions of time and money, these shows would not be possible.
Each year, a lot of planning goes into the Fireworks show. Contracts for the Fireworks must be completed, food and beverage vendors lined up, traffic control is coordinated with our city's finest – the men and women of the Niles Police and Fire Department and we need to line up around 35 volunteers to direct traffic and collect donations at each of the gates.
This year we had a crowd of about 5,000. The Apple Festival parking lot was full and the overflow was directed to the National Standard parking lot and the Softball field next to it. I believe there were even people parking at the old Eastgate Shopping Center.
Our thanks to the wonderful volunteers from the Berrien County Civitan Club, The Niles Noon Optimist Club, private citizens and our Chamber Ambassadors.
This year's show would not have been possible without the generous support from our contributors, our thanks to each and every one of you. AACOA Extrusion, Aaron's Sales &Lease, AEP, Allied Solutions, ALRO Steel, Anderson Realty, Arkos Design, Baker's Needle, Dr. Richard Beckermeyer DDS, Belle Plaza Party Store, Berrien Teachers Credit Union, Bodek and Rhodes, Brentwood Assisted Living, Brown Funeral Home, Pat and John Cary, Chemical Bank, The City of Niles, Clark's Service, Coldwell Banker R.E.S., Commercial Office Supply, Cook Drilling, Cressy &Everett Real Estate, Dana F. Cole &Co., Dave's Garage, David Johnson, DDS, Phyllis Davis, Dee's Auto Body, Dexter's Wayne Street Automotive, Edward Jones Investments, Greg Surber, E.J.'s Homeplate Restaurant, Fifth Third Bank, First National Bank, Fisher Innovative Technology, Fraternal Order of Eagles, French paper, God's Green Earth, Greater Niles Community Credit Union, Great Lakes Eye Care, Hacker's Golf and Games, Maurice Hahn, Hampton Inn &Suites, Haslett &Gaynor P.C., Hob Nob Bistro, Holiday Inn Express, Horizon Bank, Hunziker's Nursery, Insurance Management Services, Integrity Real Estate, John Hancock Financial Network, Bill Kelly, Key Bank, Klimek Enterprises, Lakeland Regional Health System, Lakeshore Home Builders, Law Office of Carol Bealor, Lexington Pointe, Lowe's, Lucky 7, M.A.A.C. Property Services, Main Street Orthodontics, Marathon Petroleum Co., Martin's Super Market, Martin's Yard &Garden, Mintech, Modineer, Mollison Law Offices, The Music Box Co., Mutual Services, Niles Noon Optimist Club, Niles Pro Muffler, Niles Shell, Niles Vision Center, One Day Signs, Packard Industries, Pathfinder Networks, Pilkington, Plaza Restaurant, Pre-Paid Legal-Bob Feifar, Prime Table Restaurant, R &M Manufacturing, Radio Shack, Ramer Products, Rana's Hair Salon, Red Shoe Jewelry, Ricky's Taqueria, Rifenberg Life &Health, Riverfront Cafe, Riveridge Manor, Ron &Linda Sather, Scarpone &Co. P.C., Schilling's Auto Wash, Shelton's Farm Market, Silverbrook, Snyder's Pool &Spa, Southwestern Medical Clinic, State Farm Insurance – Mel Bookout, State Farm Insurance Scott Stewart, Stateline Dairy Queen, Don Stone, Stop-In Family Restaurant, Subway, Tans Down Under, Teachers Credit Union, Tem-Pace, Huntington Bank, The Tavern, The UPS Store, Toefco, Tyler Automotive, Tyler Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, United Federal Credit Union, United Fixtures, Vander Werf Energy, Victory Lube, Wal-Mart, Weegen's Bro's Salvage, West Woods of Niles, Whispering Pines Kennel, Williamson Employment, Wings Etc. and Zolman Tire.
I would also like to thank the Chamber staff members Lisa Atwood and Nicole Dominguez: also Michiana Recycling, Joy's Johns, Niles Police and Fire Departments, Niles Community Schools, Apple Festival, The Niles High School Band, and the F&F All Seasons Fireworks Company.