SUQUAMISH — The Suquamish Tribe and Port Madison Enterprises have teamed up to light the fuse at the Third of July celebration over Liberty Bay.
Together, they are donating $10,500 to assist what was a floundering fireworks budget.
“As far as July 3rd is concerned, the tribe is happy to contribute,” said Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman. “Our families go down to the bay and enjoy watching the show, they’re all looking forward to the event as well.”
Former title sponsor Courtesy Auto Group decided not continue in that role this year, sending Third of July organizers Sandi Peterson and Mike McLoughlin into a frenzy to find a new sponsor to light up the celebration. They contacted the tribe and PME, as well as several other businesses in the area, and after careful deliberation, decided to take them up on their offer to fund most of the show.
“We had three goals this year,” McLoughlin said. “We didn’t want to make any drastic changes, because it’s been a successful event. We’re making some very minor changes. The second goal was to establish long-term relationships, so we can start to build it into a bigger event.”
“It has one of the best venues,” he added. “We want to make it the best fireworks display in the state. The third goal is to add new things like more bands, more events and have a dance afterwards. After you’ve got long-term relationships, everything else falls into place.”
The Suquamish Tribe and Port Madison Enterprises will more than likely continue to be the title sponsor for the next few years, Forsman said. Other businesses contributing to the cause include Stone Chapel, donating $5,000, Les Schwab, donating $2,500, and NK Auto Rebuild, donating $1,000.
“I am thrilled with the response we had from Poulsbo private citizens and businesses,” Peterson said. “I feel that this community just really came together. It’s just great to see the good side of something.”
The Third of July organization needed $11,000 by April 1 to ensure the spark would indeed be there in the community, just waiting to set off the fireworks.
“We were encouraged by the fact that other folks were willing to donate as well,” Forsman said. “This is a positive celebration with a lot of support.”
