History of the Saugatuck Fireworks Fund

Saugatuck/Douglas has been fortunate to be able to have fireworks yearly since 19 ? . Unlike other communities that may put on one show (4th of July ), we also have a Venetian Night Display (last Saturday in July) and since 2000, have put on a New Years Eve show.

A major part of enjoying the show is the expected, spectacular fireworks display. Every large city seems to have a display for its constituent community; but, how does it happen in our smaller community? Hard work and long hours of preparation, and a level of dedication not for the faint-hearted, is the answer.

Although the local municipalities contribute to the displays each year, it is not at a level to cover all the costs for the materials, let alone pay anyone to take on this responsibility. So, how then does three fireworks displays each year - on the Fourth of July, New Years Eve and for Venetian Festival?

The process of getting the July fireworks events to happen is not as simple as starting the week before an event and seeing what happens.

"We usually begin work around February to secure permits for each show from the Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources, City of Saugatuck; and talk with John Blok, the Fire Chief, for his approval and his documentation to appropriate agencies," Rob Joon, Chair states. Accurate documentation has become very strict because of accidents in other communities as well as post 911 requirements.

The actual day of the event is quite a busy one, also. On the day of the fireworks, Joon makes sure to meet with Fire Chief John Blok and Night Magic, the company that is hired to custom design and shoot the show. Access to the barge must be roped off. The Night Magic van shows up usually 5 hours before the show. We contract with Al VanDerbeek from Lake Construction for his barge and tugboat which places the barge in Lake Kalamazoo. Two licensed pyrotechnic operators spend hours setting up the shells and getting them ready for electronic firing. By law they are the only ones allowed on the barge once the show starts.

A test shot is done early in the evening to determine placement of the barge . Weather and wind are monitored closely to predict showtime scenario. Weather conditions and Mother Nature will let us know if we can shoot our fireworks off. If it is too windy or rainy we postpone the show. Kalamazoo Lake is a small area for fireworks and all boats must be at least 100' away from the barge. Sheriff and Coast Guard boats monitor the situation closely and have had to delay shows to move boats.

The largest hurdle faced by the committee each year is fund raising. The public perception is that our local governments pay for the fireworks. They do contribute a nice share to the 4th of July; the City of Saugatuck usually gives $3000, and Douglas and Saugatuck Township contribute $500 each. We do not have a major benefactor, as is common in many communities, so every year we ask our local businesses & residents for donations.

Ideally, we would have a major benefactor or gift estate setup so that fireworks could be guaranteed in perpetuity. Someone could will a set amount with specific instructions on how it was to be used. We have an estate planner that can do this. We would have the finest fireworks in West Michigan.

I hope you enjoy the fireworks

Rob Joon
Chair

History of the Saugatuck Fireworks Fund

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