DOWNEY - An outpouring of donations and sponsorships from the Downey community has cut the price of the July 4th city-sponsored fireworks show in half, according to numbers released by city officials this week.About three dozen businesses and residents have pledged monetary support for the $50,000 fireworks display, dropping the final cost to taxpayers to about $25,000, Mayor Mario Guerra said. The City Council agreed last month to help finance the fireworks show with the understanding that city staff would aggressively seek community sponsorships. Kaiser Permanente will donate $7,000, according to the data. Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe pledged $2,000. Coca-Cola offered $5,000 in products. Seven service clubs and businesses pledged $1,000 each, and numerous businesses and residents offered donations of $100 to $200. Guerra said he anticipated more sponsorships to come. The fireworks display will be the climax of a daylong festival at the Discovery Sports Complex which begins at 9:45 a.m. The event will include live music, carnival games, athletic events, food booths, and more. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Residents can bring lawn chairs but no fireworks, alcohol or barbecues will be allowed inside the park. For more information, call (562) 904-7238.

********** Published: June 26, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 10