Photo by Susan Braudaway

On Saturday, July 7th, at about 9:10, pm I can almost guarantee you that all eyes around Port O’Connor were focused on the magnificent fireworks display at King Fisher Park. What a fabulous show!!! I can’t tell you how many people we had in town, but I bet it was a record breaker!

To all who helped make the July Fireworks show here in Port O’Connor possible, thank you so very much! First, a huge Thank You to Bill Tigrett and Donny Haynes for chairing this event! Bill works on fundraising, and this event is funded solely on monies collected from donation boxes throughout the year and solicited contributions. It costs approximately $30,000 to put the fireworks on, including advertising, soliciting donations, security, trash bins, porta potties, and trash clean up. As I quote a spectator … “It is money very well spent!” Another huge Thank you goes to Donny Haynes, who works closely with Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics to ensure that we get the best show ever. When the explosives are delivered, Donny makes approximately 100 runs up and down the pier, getting them set up. The job that Donny does is strictly volunteer, and very much appreciated!!!

We have an awesome team within the Chamber! Thanks goes to Ronna & Dewayne Fishbeck and Troy Wygrys for their help in setting up, cleaning up, and supplying the crew with what we need. Also appreciated, is Mary Jo Walker, for taking on the dirtiest job of all!.

Of course a sincere and heartfelt Thank You goes out to all or our contributors. Whether the donation was large or small, it adds up and allows us to continue this patriotic tradition. Next year will be the 50th Anniversary for the fireworks, so please keep filling those boxes!!!

Darla Parker
President, Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce