LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Dowagiac Connected thanks community

Published 9:40 am Thursday, July 11, 2024

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Despite the ongoing drizzle, the 11th annual Dowagiac fireworks show was a success. The rain did not stop our faithful community from coming out to Russom Park on Friday, June 28 to enjoy the fireworks with their friends and family. We consider their attendance in less-than-ideal weather a testament to how important it is to continue these traditions for generations to come.

While we are grateful for the opportunity to organize this event, we recognize that it is not only “our” event. Funded entirely by donors, the fireworks are brought to you by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who desire to bring joy to you and your family through this event. We are humbled by their support and proud to partner with them to host the fireworks.

To that end, we would like to thank the following:

Kirk Proshwitz and team, our pyrotechnician who carefully plans and curates the show each year.

The Dowagiac City Council, Airport Director Oscar Azevedo, Public Safety Officer Steve Grinnewald, and neighboring fire departments for their cooperation in organizing the event.

The AYSO concession stand, La Chula Food Truck, Ben’s Pretzels, and East Coast Concessions for providing food and other items. 

LRS for providing restrooms. 

Dowagiac Connected team members who gave their time to organize and volunteer for the event. 

Honor Credit Union for night-of volunteers and Dowagiac Choir for next-day clean up volunteers.

All the attendees who came to enjoy the show made our efforts worthwhile.

Grand Finale Sponsors ($500 and above): C. Wimberley Automotive Group, Don and Joan Lyons, Dr. David and Sarah Mathews, Dr. Joe and Laura Odenwald, Four Winds Casino, Honor Credit Union, Lyon’s Industries, Stark’s Funeral Home, Sustainable Recycling

Rocket Sponsors ($250 and above): Charles Concrete, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Lions Club, Eckman Chiropractic Clinic, Fryman’s Recycling #1, JAC Custom Pouches, MEC, Southwestern Michigan College, Wightman and Associates

Firecracker Sponsors ($100 and above): Al and Sandra Springsteen, Arnt Asphalt, Bakeman Barbers, Baker’s Rhapsody, Bonnie Latourette, Bryan and Michelle Henry, Bud Distributing, Dr. Dave and Cathy Butts, East Coast Concessions, Elk’s Club, Gary Bailey, Hale’s True Value Hardware, Hannapel Home Center, Jacqueline Riggs, Janel’s Industries, Jeffery Gunn, Kent and Judy Truitt, La Chula Food Truck, Matthew Cripe DDS, Paul and Theresa Kitchen, Rhody’s Heating and Cooling, Sister Lakes Brewing Company, Thomas and Edith Carey

Sparkler Sponsors ($50 and above): John and Nancy Vylonis, Lori Collins, Ray Klomes, Roberta Woodruff

Red, White and Blue Sponsors ($25 and above): Dowsett Chiropractic, Danielle Lucas, Emily Heenan, The Beach Boys

Other Sponsors: Jim D’s Body Shop, Imperial Furniture, 1870 House

With gratitude for all, 

Dowagiac Connected