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Tulsa Fireworks Show Gets Green Light
06/03/09 6:07 pm   |   reporter: Bill Mitchell   producer: Kerri Gift
NewsChannel 8 - Tulsa Fireworks Show Gets Green Light
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Tulsa - Despite some funding trouble, the Tulsa fireworks display is getting the green light. Corporate sponsors have stepped forward to pay for the display.

OneOK is this year's big donor and is now the title sponsor of the event. But the River Parks also need your help paying for the extras.

For the River Parks Authority, the 4th of July fireworks show is the largest single day event of the year. An estimated crowd of 80,000 people will line the banks of the river.

The fireworks show has been produced by the River Parks authority since 1974. No tax dollars are used to pay for the show. It's corporate sponsors who foot the bill.

This year, when several of those sponsors dropped out, funding for the celebration dropped by $65,000. That's when the OneOK company stepped up and increased their donation to $35,000.

Tonja Pitzer with River Parks Authority says, "This even would not have happened this year without OneOK. Absolutely essential."

But they are still asking the public to donate money. An envelope will arrive in the June utility bills. The extra money would pay for things like a military fly over, sky divers, and some live entertainment.

"Entertainment activities for kids, and items that are absolutely essential like street closings, TPD security, and Porta Johns. That's why the budget is so high."

What do people say about donating to the fireworks show?

Danielle Crister likes the fireworks. "I just think it's something for the community, and if you have money to go, it's something everyone will enjoy."

Amber Bishop agrees. "I would absolutely donate money because I think it's a great event that brings out community together. It's something we can be proud of."

Last year, when the River Parks asked for donations for the fireworks they raised $7,400. They hope to raise $18,000 this year. But even if they don't raise a lot, the fireworks will go on, because that part of the July 4th celebration is paid.

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