With the country’s birthday right around the corner, a group of dedicated young volunteers are FIREworked up in their efforts to once again organize a celebration for the people of Dowagiac.

The Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac recently began raising money for its annual Fourth of July fireworks show, which will take place Friday at dusk at Russom Park. Members are seeking to raise around $5,000 from businesses and local residents to once again put on the celebration.

On Thursday, Dowagiac’s Honor Credit Union branch helped kick off the group’s fundraising efforts, donating $500 to the organization.

“We’re thrilled to support the Young Professionals and to be able to help offer this event again to the community,” said Dowagiac Branch Manager Janie Reifenberg.

It was the second year that Honor donated to the effort, where the branch also donated $500 to the organization.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the Young Professionals was member Amber Reed.

“A lot of us are parents, so for us it’s a nice family thing to do with our children,” Reed said about the group’s effort. “We’re looking forward to giving this to the community.”

With the credit union’s contribution in the kitty, the local service organization had raised around $1,500 for the show by Thursday morning, with additional donations expected on the way, said member Jeremy Truitt.

New for this year’s efforts, the club is offering different levels of donations, including:

• Salute Sponsor, $500 or more

• Rocket Sponsor, $250

• Sparkler Sponsor, $100

• Firecracker Sponsor, $50

• Red, White and Blue Sponsor, $25

• Patriot Sponsor, $10

People wishing to donate can send payments to Fifth Third Bank at 205 South Front St. in Dowagiac.

Friday’s show will be the third the Young Professionals has organized, resurrecting the local Fourth of July fireworks show in 2014 after a several year hiatus.

Similar to previous years, people will have the option of watching the fireworks at the park, at the high school parking lot or at the old soccer fields. Dowagiac’s Kirk Proshwitz will donate his services once again to set off the fireworks for the event.

New to this year’s event, volunteers with the organization will sell glow sticks to visitors.

Any money raised in excess of the amount needed for this year’s show will go toward the one next year, Truitt said.

“We want to make sure this continues to be an annual tradition, both for Dowagiac and the greater community,” he said.

People interested in joining the Young Professionals can do so by sending the group a message on its Facebook page or by reaching out to one of its members.

Any questions can be directed to Jason Wilt of Southwestern Michigan College at 783-2159, Truitt of Fifth Third Bank at 782-1021 or Pat Bakeman of Bakeman Barbers 782-5694.