For Immediate Release: Monday, May 18, 2009

Become A Sponsor of the 2009 Dover Fourth of July

Dover – Delaware’s capital will sparkle on July 4th with your help. The 2009 celebration, on the Legislative Mall includes a longer fireworks show, fun-filled musical performances – nearly four hours, a parade – and extensive activities for children. There will be more than 10,000 people taking part in a community-wide celebration of our nation’s birthday. Dozens of vendors will be on hand to satisfy every food taste and add to the fun of the celebration.

Businesses can show their support and community participation by lending a helping hand. The non-profit Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc., needs to raise several thousand dollars in additional money to cover the $21,000 total budget, committee president Greg Patterson said. While the city and state governments provide logistical support, aided by volunteers and several community leaders, the Dover Fourth of July festivities have always been paid for with private donations.

“We have many businesses, organizations and individuals that have become sponsors this year, and we are very grateful to them, but we need your help to get us there and make all of our plans for this year possible,” said Patterson.

Over the years, a handful of generous donors covered most of the cost of the Fourth of July events, but there have been no such large donors in 2009. “Because of that, the celebration will count more than ever this year on the generosity of businesses and residents alike,” Patterson said.

Businesses, organizations and individuals who’d like to become an official July 4th sponsor at the Star ($2,000), Stripe ($1,000), Red ($500), White ($200) or Blue ($100) levels can mail a donation to Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc., P.O. Box 475, Dover, DE 19903-0475 or can donate online.

Your donation gains you a place in the thousands of programs and literature pieces that will be given to those who attend and circulated at various locations around Dover and Kent County.

Families may also sponsor individual fireworks shells through the “Adopt-A-Firework” program for $17.76 each. Those donations can also be either mailed or done online.

– 30 –