Dear editor:

The Niles Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce members were proud to once again sponsor the 2010 fireworks Saturday, July 3. This event was held at the Apple Festival Fairgrounds at 17th and Lake streets in Niles. It was a perfect evening as a crowd of 6,000 people joined together to enjoy the fireworks display.

Several people have commented that they didn’t realize the fireworks are totally funded by donations from Chamber members and the general public. Many cities across the country have had to cancel their fireworks this year. However, thanks to the generosity of our members and others who contributed, we were able to join other cities across America in celebration of our nation’s 234th birthday.

Some of the planning that went into this year’s show included contracting for the fireworks, lining up food and beverage vendors. We also coordinated traffic control with the city’s finest men and women of the Niles Police and Fire departments; the Niles Charter Township Fire Department; and the 45 volunteers who directed traffic and collected donations at the gates.

Our hats off to all of these folks!

Finally, I would like to thank the wonderful folks from the Four Flags Apple Festival, Michiana Recycling, Joy’s Johns, Berrien County Civitan Club and the Niles Noon Optimist Club.

See you at next year’s birthday celebration!

Ron Sather
President/CEO
Niles Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce