The community organizers of the Third of July event have thrown in the towel this year. The two, Mike McLaughlin and Sandi Peterson, have taken the helm of the beloved Poulsbo tradition for two years.

This year, however, citing financial issues and missed deadlines, they’ve decided to cancel the event.

There’s no doubt the event is a major draw for the city — last year a crowd 25,000 strong packed the Poulsbo waterfront for a front-row view of the spectacular, $35,000 (or so) event. And that’s not counting those who lined up along Viking Way or camped out in parking lots throughout Poulsbo to get a glimpse of the rocket’s red glare.

One likely draw is that the event caters to those who have the Fourth of July off — and therefore can watch the fireworks the night before, rather than be bleary eyed at their desks on the fifth. It also allows those with children to participate in celebrating our nation’s independence.

As those who have attempted can attest, it’s no easy task to take your children out to view fireworks on the Fourth then try to pry them out of bed at the regular time the day after so you can get to work and they can get to day care.

That, as a matter of fact, is downright miserable.

According to city of Poulsbo spokesperson Carly Michelson, the city will assign a citizen committee to keep the tradition alive.

For the funding piece, McLaughlin and Peterson are turning to the citizens and corporate sponsors to open their checkbooks.

Let’s keep this tradition alive.

To donate to the cause and/or help make up the deficit from the 2008 celebration, mail donations to:

Third of July Event

24118 Dove Lane

Poulsbo, WA 98370