By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer
Joseph Mendolia has fond childhood memories about watching Plant City’s fireworks show with his dad.
“The fireworks were always a staple in our community,” the USF graduate student said. “It was sad to see it disappear.”
But Mendolia has nothing to be sad about anymore. The fireworks will explode again for the first time since 2007. And this year, Mendolia not only will enjoy the colorful display but also will be a part of the festivities as executive and artistic director of the Plant City Community Choir, which is performing before the display.
“The fact that we get to be part of it, that I get to relive something from the past, is just wonderful,” he said.
The celebration began in 2002 and continued for six years. But the sparks stopped flying after the last show in 2007.
“In 2008, the economy was tanking,” Jack Holland, director of the Recreation and Parks Department, said. “Our budget shrank drastically in 2008 and 2009.”
Another factor that extinguished the fireworks was the closing of Bill Heard Chevrolet, a title sponsor for the event.
But this year, more than 15 sponsors have pulled together to help fund the celebration and bring it back to the community.
Zambelli Fireworks, which has produced some of the largest displays in the country, is managing the show. The fireworks will be ignited from the Larson Softball Fourplex.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
SCHEDULE
5:45 p.m.: Parking lot opens
6 p.m.: Stadium, concessions and activities open
6 p.m.: Stage entertainment starts
8:45 p.m.: Concessions and activities close
9 p.m.: Military salute and national anthem
9:15 p.m.: Fireworksmobile.wihack.com .” >http://currieliabolaw.com/besplatniy-raschetniy-schet.php