To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals and businesses that made this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show possible. The Lawrence Jaycees are a small group of young people who work hard each year to raise approximately $15,000 in order to continue the long-standing tradition of the fireworks show. Emprise Bank has generously donated the majority of these funds for the past three years. We thank them and look forward to their continued support in the years to come. The city of Lawrence has also provided major support that has made this event possible.

I would also like to address several comments and complaints we received about this year’s show. While we have always had music accompanying the show, this year’s sound system was more powerful than in the past. As requested, we will look into adjusting the volume next year. There were also concerns raised about fireworks being shot across the river. I did not witness any such activities, but you can rest assured that no Lawrence Jaycee would purposely do anything to put any spectator at risk. These individuals are all trained and certified and take this job very seriously.

In closing, I would like to thank all of the citizens that came to Burcham Park and those who watched the fireworks from other favorite spots. Without you, the show would truly not be possible.

Gary Saathoff, president,

Lawrence Jaycees