Written By Lisa Breslin

The annual Fourth of July fireworks will continue at the Carroll County Farm Museum, but funding continues to dwindle, according to local organizers.

Aided by countless volunteers and funded by donations, the annual fireworks display was rescued by the Rotary Clubs of Carroll County four years ago when the Jaycees opted not to carry on the $20,000 tradition.

“Our community thrives because of traditions like the fireworks display,” said Rotarian Joe Legge, who is also the operating partner of Four Seasons Sports Complex in Hampstead. “I called Dottie Freeman [administrator, Carroll County Farm Museum] to let her know that the tradition would continue.”

Legge had no trouble rallying community support, first from the local Rotary club, and then from a host of nonprofit groups, individuals and families who continue to donate their time to ensure that the skies light up on Independence Day.

With gratitude, Legge recalls the year he was buying food for the Fourth of July celebration at a local wholesale store and dropped a few items in the parking lot. A man stopped to help him pick things up and load his car and then followed him to the Farm Museum to help unload items there.

Legge encouraged the man to bring his family to the fireworks display and then eat with the volunteers. They came: all nine of them. And had an evening to remember.

“Here was a family filled with love that didn’t get to go out much because it was difficult to afford,” Legge said. “But they make it to the fireworks every year, and they are so thankful. We invite any donors, as well as people in need, to eat with us. It helps if they call in advance to let us know they are coming.”

The Rotary Clubs try to keep the event’s expenses down by working closely with nonprofit organizations. For a nominal fee, a recreation sports program helps with the parking, a church group helps with cleanup, a Carroll County cancer survivor group helps with food vending, and many local restaurants donate food.

The Rotary Club also sends out letters to businesses and individuals in the community seeking donations. All the money raised comes from donations.

“Last year we had approximately $11,000 collected by April,” Legge said. “This year we had less than $3,000. Needless to say, donations are needed and welcome.”

Donations can be mailed to: Bonds Meadow Rotary, 2710 Hampstead Mexico Road; Hampstead, MD; 21074. Checks should be made to Bonds Meadow Rotary.