Adrian DDA authorizes July 3 fireworks if $15,000 raised; fundraising deadline moved to April 15

The Downtown Adrian Main Street DDA voted March 18 to authorize a July 3 fireworks display with Great Lakes Fireworks only if the board secures $15,000 in sponsorships by April 15, 2026. The vendor quoted a minimum $15,000 package for a 20-minute show and requires a 50% deposit to hold the date.

Acting Chair and board members discussed vendor constraints tied to the country’s 250th anniversary, noting demand for displays is unusually high. "The minimum budget that Great Lakes will do is 15,000 because of this country's 250th anniversary," the Acting Chair said when introducing the vendor terms. The board agreed the DDA operating budget should not fund the event; instead the board will rely on sponsorships and community fundraising. Board members reported having raised about $5,000 in cash and roughly $5,500 in verbal commitments at the time of the meeting and asked for an extension of the vendor commitment deadline to allow more time to close the gap.

Board members moved a friendly amendment to change the fundraising deadline from April 1 to April 15; the amendment and the underlying authorization (contingent on securing the full $15,000 by April 15) passed by voice vote. If the required commitments are secured by the new deadline, the acting chair is authorized to confirm the fireworks agreement with Great Lakes Fireworks and execute the required deposit.

The board noted no vendor commitment or purchase had been made at the time of the vote and emphasized that the event would proceed only if external funding is secured. Staff and committee members said they will continue targeted fundraising and solicitations; the board also discussed broader collaboration with city commissioners and other local partners to help meet the target.