We are three weeks away from Kirkland’s grand 4th of July celebration and the folks who have put on the show for the past 11 years still need funding.

It only took the City of Seattle three days to save its fireworks, with $500,000 of donations that poured in. Can the Kirkland community do it in three weeks?

Local businesses – including The Grape Choice, Banner Bank and George’s Restaurant – have displayed posters asking the community to sign on the dotted line and promise to drop off a $100 check.

For 10 years, the City of Kirkland has provided financial support for what has become the largest community event in Kirkland. This year, due to budget cuts, the city is unable to provide a penny.

The Celebrate Kirkland group needs to find the full $60,000 necessary to produce the spectacular fireworks finale from our Marina Park waterfront.

Please visit www.celebratekirkland.org to donate any amount, or drop off a check to the above businesses.

Also, from 5:30-9 p.m. on June 18, stop by The Grape Choice, which will be hosting an auction/party to benefit the Fourth of July festivities.

I attended the July 4 event in Kirkland last year with my family. My children really enjoyed dancing to local band, the Ex Box Boys, and meeting the family sitting next to us in lawn chairs. It was a spectacular sight to see Seattle’s fireworks glare in the backdrop of our celebration.

I look forward to spending this year with the community at Marina Park and I hope you’ll give what you can to help save this worthwhile cause.