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DOWAGIAC — A local business doing its part to make sure the community has a Fourth of July holiday to remember.

Padnos Dowagiac Recycling Center has increased its yearly donation to the Dowagiac fireworks to $500.

“Padnos is very much of a community involvement and sponsorships logic,” said Karen Moore of Padnos Dowagiac. “We want to have strong ties with our local communities across the State of Michigan.” 

As the new manager of the Dowagiac location, Moore wanted to expand the branches’ sponsorship beyond schools to other forms of community involvement.

“We are honored that Padnos chose us as a worthwhile cause,” said Rebecca Steenbeke of Dowagiac Connected, the organization that hosts the fireworks. “Getting families out to enjoy an evening outside, doing something wholesome and nostalgic…you don’t have a lot of opportunities for stuff like that any more. It’s important to preserve those experiences. Our community partners like Padnos do that. There would be no fireworks without them.”

The fireworks, pending good weather, will take place June 28 at dusk around the airport. Food vendors will set up at Russom Park at 7 p.m. Confirmed vendors include Ben’s Pretzels, La Chula and East Coast Concessions.

Donations for fireworks are accepted through the night of the event. Donations can be made online at dowagiacconnected.com or by check payable to Dowagiac Connected, PO Box 586, Dowagiac, MI 49047. 

Follow the Dowagiac Connected Facebook page for updates.