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2020 4th of July Information

THE FIREWORKS ARE CANCELED.
​See you all in 2021
2020 4th of July Official Statement
Released May, 23, 2020

In 1963, Joe Marino was tasked with the job of putting together a 4th of July celebration for the city of Rockford.  He raised $3,000 that year to put on a fireworks show in downtown Rockford and for the next 55 years, he would continue to do just that, raise money through donations and sponsorships to fund a celebration this country is worthy of.  In November of 2018, that torch was passed to Ted and me.  Before he passed away, Gruncle told us over breakfast that he was adamant about the leadership of this committee staying in the family.  We have taken that torch with honor and continue to work as hard as we, as a committee, can.

That brings us to 2020.  This community, this state, this nation and the world has been confronted with something that has caused fear, doubt, concerns and apprehensions in the form of Covid-19.  As a committee, we struggled with the decision to even pursue a celebration this year with all of the uncertainty this pandemic has brought on.  As a courtesy, we consulted with the Mayor’s office as to what the city thought of what we were trying to accomplish.  Initially, we were planning the biggest celebration that the Rockford Community has seen in the last 57 years.  With the introduction of the pandemic, we scaled back the celebration to eventually just include a shortened firework show.  We felt that the community would need a sense of normality in extremely abnormal times and we could offer that in a fireworks show that not only celebrated our country, but held the tradition this community has come to know and love over the last 57 years.  Unfortunately, through city hall, we are not being given the opportunity to do so this year.  Although we have made adaptations and exceptions with what we wanted to do this year, we are being denied the opportunity to do so by not receiving a permit to operate from the city of Rockford.  Through hard work and dedication we have raised the funds necessary, in an extremely short amount of time, to provide a 20 min firework show for the citizens of this community to enjoy and it absolutely breaks our hearts to not be able to do so.

It is with these extremely heavy hearts that we say that we must cancel this years 4th of July celebration.  Know this one thing, this all volunteer committee is made up individuals from every walk of life and it is dedicated to serving this community as a whole.  And to our donors, sponsors and citizens of this community, we will be back in 2021 with what we were planning for this year, the biggest 4th of July celebration this community has ever seen.  From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support of your celebration.

IF YOU WERE A BUSINESS OR PERSONAL DONOR, PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATLY FOR DECSIONS ON REIMBURSEMENT OR TO HOLD UNTIL 2021!

2020-2021 EVENT SPONSORS & DONORS

Three cheers for the businesses and individuals that donate to make sure this even happens year after year!
These people are truly proud of their community and they show that by supporting us in
​celebrating the birth of our nation.
Want to sponsor the 4th of July Event?  Contact Ted or Tom TODAY!

2021 Title Sponsor:

2021 SPONSORS & DONORS:

Thank you to the MANY local businesses, anonymous businesses and individuals that donate to make this community event happen every year! 
We receive checks from $5 and up from so many amazing, patriotic people, and we can't thank you enough.   
If you'd wish to donate, click the DONATE tab now and join in on being a part of this family fun event celebrating the birth of this great nation.
FOR TAX INFORMATION:  We are a 501(c)4 Non-For-Profit that operates financially under $100,000 a year for this event.
Our EIN is 36-3727661

DONOR LEVELS:
Sparkler Donors,  $1 - $199
Bottle Rocket Donors,  $200 - $499
Stars & Stripes Donors, $500 - $999
Uncle Sam Donors,  $1,000 - $1,999
Star Spangled Banner Donors,  $2,000 - $4,999
Firecracker Donors,  $5,000 - $9,999
Fantastic Fireworks Donors,  $10,000+
​Sponsorship's are also available! 

2021 Independence Day Schedule
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