The group of Dowagiac residents putting on this year’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration received a large helping hand from another community business last week.

The Dowagiac branch of Honor Credit Union donated $500 to the Young Professionals of the Greater Dowagiac Thursday morning for their annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, which again takes place on Friday, July 3, at the Dowagiac Municipal Airport. Honor was among the many businesses and individuals contributing to the fund to host this and future firework shows in the city.

“We’re extremely happy and thankful that the Young Professionals of the Greater Dowagiac have brought the fireworks back the community, and we’re thrilled to support this endeavor,” said Janie Reifenberg, manager of the Dowagiac Honor branch. “We look forward to working with them in the future, and supporting any other events that take place in the community.”

The group had begun another round of fundraising in recent weeks to help pay for the costs of running this year’s show, said organizer Jeremy Truitt. The credit union heard about their efforts, and decided to pitch in to this year’s collection, he said.

“Our largest individual donation last year was $500,” Truitt said. “[Honor] wanted to match that amount, and come on board this year in a big way.”

The Young Professionals organized the show last year as well, bringing Fourth of July fireworks back to the city after a four year absence. The show will begin on July 3 at dusk, with parking available at Russom Park, Dowagiac Union High School, the Dowagiac National Guard building, and the old soccer fields located by Premier Tool & Die Cast Machining, Truitt said.

“I’m anticipating a larger crowd this year, but we still should have plenty of parking available the night of the event,” he said.

Businesses and individuals who want to contribute to the fireworks fund can do so by writing a check out to the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac and sending it to Fifth Third Bank, located at 205 S. Front St. in Dowagiac.

For more information, call members Whitney Behnke at 269-240-3380, Jeremy Truitt of Fifth Third Bank at 269-782-1021 or Pat Bakeman of Bakeman Barbers at (269) 782-5694.