Donations trickling in for Nevada Day fireworks show

About $5,000 in donations from Carson City businesses and the community have been received for a Nevada Day weekend fireworks show.

"Checks are still trickling in," said Mike Hughes, marketing and development manager of Retired and Senior Volunteers Program, which hosts the show.

"August is a vacation month so a lot of people are gone. We've been getting a few (donations) each week."

Janice Ayres, executive director of RSVP, made a plea to members of the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce to help fund the fireworks show.

The program will be dedicated to area fire and law enforcement personnel who helped fight the Waterfall fire in July.

RSVP is asking chamber members to partner with them and dedicate the fireworks show to those who battled the fire. RSVP's contribution will be free all-day carnival rides on Oct. 30 for firefighters and law enforcement personnel and their families.

The cost for July Fourth's fireworks show was $12,000 and was considered a disappointment by many. Ayres said the average cost is $1,000 per minute and she is looking for a minimum of $15,000 in donations.

Ayres is asking businesses to donate to the fireworks fund. The community as well can donate. Nevada Day weekend is Oct. 29-31.

"We have both businesses and the community donating to the fund," Hughes said.

"Some of the business who have donated include the Greater Nevada Credit Union, Katrina VanPatten, optometrist, Mike's Pharmacy and several private donors of $50 and $100."

The free fireworks show is scheduled for dusk on Oct. 30. Special invitations will be issued through the Carson City Fire and Sheriff's departments. Best viewing will be from Mills Park.

"These special invitations are the only 'free ride' passes the carnival will honor," Ayres said. "However, it is something RSVP wishes to do to show our true appreciation."

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.