Fireworks Donations Help Needed

The City of Kent is responsible for the festivities at the park and a portion of the money for the fireworks. However, LMCA is responsible for the majority of the funds for the fireworks. We understand this year could be difficult for many of our usual benefactors. LMCA board members are soliciting donations from local businesses, association members, and surrounding neighborhoods. Unfortunately, we need $14,000-$18,000 to put on the 15-minute, professionally shot display the community has grown to love.

Do you know of a business that would be willing to contribute to this great event? If you have suggestions, please contact a board member and we will help craft a donation letter. Thanks for you support!

The Economy vs. Our Fireworks Show

With today’s economy we’d like your opinion concerning the annual fireworks show.
Here’s the options we are considering:

1. A show similar to 2008’s show – will require a total of about $7,000 for LMCA’s share.
2. A smaller show – amount needed would be about $3,500 for our share.
3. Cancel the show entirely.

We need to hear from you immediately! Time is of the essence so we can sign contracts with the fireworks company or cancel them. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you are opting for choice number 3 – no show. Let us know your opinion. Please reply by 3/16/09.

General Meeting Date Set

The 2009 LMCA general meeting will take place at the Covington Library, 27100 164th Avenue SE, at 6:30 on Monday, April 13th. The board will be asking Mayor Cooke, Councilwoman Jamie Danielson, and our lake officers to attend and answer any questions you might have. If you have suggestions for other speakers you might like to hear from at the meeting please e-mail Michelle McDowell at michellemcdowell@comcast.net with your ideas.

This is a good opportunity to meet your neighbors and catch up on current issues. New LMCA board members will be announced at the meeting and LMCA dues and fireworks contributions can be paid.

Another Wonderful 4th of July

It was a beautiful day on Lake Meridian. The boat parade was a great success with many participants this year. The fireworks show, which was once again done by our friends at Entertainment Fireworks was spectacular. See the slideshow on this site of just some of the shots that we enjoyed and especially the great finale! Thanks Brad, our pyro, for another well done show!

Donations Needed

It took all our 4th of July funds to cover last year’s annual show. This year the account balance begins at a mighty $15.93. We need everyone’s help if we are going to make this year’s display a reality. As in past years, we need to collect $6,000 from the area residents. That means we would need $42.00 from every household if all 145 homes contributed. Unfortunately not everyone does. If you’re planning a large party, ask your attendees to pitch in too. Every little bit helps, and we retain our long standing tradition of an outstanding fireworks show on the lake. Please mail your contribution, along with your membership dues to our PO Box 7578, Covington, WA 98042.

Corporate Donors Needed

The fireworks last year were amazing and we hope our community residents will generously donate once again to bring Lake Meridian another fabulous display for this July Fourth celebration. Many of you may not realize that our community must raise half of the money to put on the display. The City of Kent funds the other half. We are hoping that you will not only write out a personal check, but if you know business owners in Kent, you might be willing to ask for their support, too. We have a form letter we can provide to you, and we would really appreciate any size donations from the community. If you need a copy of the letter asking for a fireworks donation, please contact Ellyn Ricker at 253-631-2021.

Will the Fireworks Go On?

LMCA has two issues that must be addressed before the fireworks can go on. Adding to the monetary issue we always face is the inability to find dock space where the barges
can be loaded. Before the Brothertons moved they made the loading of the fireworks docks a part of their yearly celebration. Last year Susan Stroomer graciously offered up her dock. We
appreciated her taking her turn and heard from some neighbors that watching the process of the fireworks being loaded was as exciting as the fireworks themselves. This year we are looking for someone else to take their turn. The best scenario is someone with plenty of dock space and a steep enough drop off to easily get the docks started on the journey to the center of the lake.

The floating docks are towed and tied to the dock a week or so before the 4th. The tubes for the
fireworks are loaded a few days before the 4th and the actual charges are not loaded until the morning of the 4th. The Pyros need a way to walk down the side of the house to the docks and the ability to access a bathroom. The second issue, M-O-N-E-Y, has become a more and more difficult one as the years go by. Each home would have to contribute $42.00 to pay last year’s fireworks bill. With higher costs this would cover a slightly smaller show.

Unfortunately, not every home contributes to the show. Many have large yard parties, enjoy the
show but do not donate. These two issues have left us asking if we can continue to provide a fireworks show year after year. Things you can do to help are:
1. Volunteer to collect fireworks donations in your neighborhood
and the neighborhood off the lake behind you.
2. Talk to business owners you know and ask if they would be interested in sponsoring the fireworks show. With a large enough donation the City of Kent might be willing to name the show after them and include their name in all written materials.
3. Put out a donation can at your party. Explain to the people attending that the fireworks are paid for with the donation of Lake Meridian residents. Collect those donations and turn them in for next year.

If you would like to volunteer to collect fireworks donations or to have the fireworks dock at your house this year please contact Michelle McDowell at 253-639-0124.