Fireworks are a go

NORWALK — The county's skies will indeed be lit up this July 4 after a generous donation from the Firelands Veterans of Foreign Wars and Firelands Veterans for the Preservation of Patriotism. City officials had set a June 20 deadline to raise the $30,000 needed for the annual fireworks display but had raised only $6,000 by the deadline, causing the city to extend donations through June 27. On Thursday, the Norwalk Mayor's office issued a news release announcing the groups had donated a combined $25,000 for the display. Norwalk Mayor Dave Light thanked the residents and businesses that made donations throughout the month. "I would like to express my gratitude to those residents and businesses who donated over $6,000 to the display," Light said. Before the announcement of the VFW donation, the fate of the yearly display was called into question. Light thanked the organizations for being integral in ensuring the display would continue this year. "I am beyond grateful for the support from the VFW. Their generous donation ensures that our community can come together and celebrate Independence Day and keep the beloved tradition alive," Light said. "Norwalk will now have a fantastic $30,000 fireworks show. Norwalk has thoughtful and engaged citizens and businesses with shared values that make our town such a wonderful place to live, work and celebrate." Attempts to contact the VFW Commander or spokesperson for comment have not been returned as of press time. Festivities on the 4th Norwalk will celebrate the holiday beginning with the Mapletree Road Race, a 5K run beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday at the Huron County Fairgrounds. There will then be a parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the Norwalk Public Library as the Grand Marshal. The club has not yet released details on the route or participants. The gem of the celebration — the fireworks display — will begin at dusk, expected to be around 9:30-9:50 p.m. at the Huron County Fairgrounds, located at 940 Fair Road. City administrators would like to remind spectators that the grandstands will not be open for viewing, but the parking lot will be open and the display may be viewed from there.