Rec. dept rescues fireworks

There will be a star spangled Fourth of July in Pike County this year. The recreation board has agreed to host the annual event and the fireworks are on.The board met Tuesday, Mar. 17 in a called meeting to discuss whether or not the parks and recreation department could take on the task, which until this year was handled by the chamber of commerce. ”Things have to be planned out and people have to commit,” said director Kevin Teate, adding it will require community involvement.Member Brad Armistead said a number of people have contacted him offering donations to ensure the show will go on.Last year’s expenses, including the fireworks paid for by the county, totaled $22,145. The revenue was $22,484, including $4,514 from the $5 per car parking fee.The board voted 4-0 to take on the Fourth of July event. In his motion, Armistead included the stipulation that all money received will go through the Teate’s office. Teate will oversee the planning for the event.Board chairman Jeff Kenerly said the event may look different this year than in the past. It might even be a picnic and a fireworks show, but it will be better defined in the weeks ahead.The chamber of commerce decided not to host the Fourth of July program this year, “in light of the economic downturn.” The decision was made after the chamber board unanimously voted not to seek funding for the event from the county, calling it a “fiscally-responsible act.”Chamber director Karen Brown has offered her assistance as the recreation authority plans the event, Teate noted.