For the third year in a row the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac (YPGD) presented a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show.

The jaw dropping show, shot off by the YPGD’s member Kirk Proshwitz, began around 10:15 p.m. and lasted between 20 and 25 minutes, which is comparable to prior years.

These fireworks wouldn’t be possible without sponsors, friends and neighbors. Thank you so much for your continued support.

Our local community was amazingly generous, and such a wonderful show would not have been possible without their support. We are so fortunate to have such a thoughtful community and we should show the same compassion to them and remember when possible to shop local and support our locally owned businesses.

We recognize and thank our many sponsors:

• Salute Sponsor ($500 donation or more): Accounting Consultants PC, Honor Credit Union and Wolverine Mutual Insurance

• Rocket Sponsor ($250): Imperial Furniture, Jim D’s Body Shop, Lake X-Ray and The Mane Attraction

• Sparkler Sponsor ($100): Terry and Ruth Ausra, Bakeman Barbers, Booth’s Country Florist, Hannapel Home Center, Mahar Insurance, Rohdy’s Heating & Cooling, Schilling’s Wash & Wax and Art and Carol Springsteen

• Firecracker Sponsor ($50): Leon (Andy) Anderson (Anderson Consulting), Blue Print Photography, Thomas and Edith Carey, Grabemeyer Farms, John Scott Insurance, Bonnie Latourette, Monrovia, Al and Sandra Springsteen

• Red, White and Blue Sponsor ($25): Bow Wow Bakery, Dowsett Chiropractic, Farm Bureau Insurance, Doug and Amy Wagoner and Roberta Woodruff

• Patriot Sponsor ($20): Gary Bailey and Ray Clomes

We also want to acknowledge the many citizens who donated and purchased glow sticks from the YPGD the night of the Fireworks. Thanks for your support.

Special thanks to our in-kind donors, Creative Vinyl Signs Inc. and Waste Management. Special thanks also go out to the local police, fire and public works departments for helping to keep everyone safe.

If you still would like to support this community tradition, it’s not too late. Checks may be mailed to the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac C/O Fifth Third Bank, 205 South Front St., Dowagiac, MI 49047.

Questions about the YPGD and our future events can be answered by Jason Wilt of Southwestern Michigan College at 783-2159, by Pat Bakeman of Bakeman Barbers 782-5694 or by email at YPDowagiac@gmail.com.

 

Rebecca Grabemeyer

Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac