ROCKFORD - Less than a week before the Independence Day fireworks celebration, the Rockford Fourth of July Committee was about $7,000 short in funding the $75,000 show. Joe "Mr. Fourth of July" Marino asked for help, and the public responded in a big way.

This week, the committee reported that it had an $8,353.35 surplus.

"I cry a lot, but I was worried about this year. And the community really came through," Marino said.
 
For years, Rockford, more so than any other community in the state, has gotten the most bang for its buck, thanks to Indiana-based Melrose Pyrotechnics, which fired off a staggering 4,816 exploding shells in 30 minutes, including 2,200 in the three-minute finale, making it the largest fireworks show in the state.

Contributing to this year's show were $37,258 in mail-in donations, $22,800 from Maverick Media, a $5,000 donation from Pepsi, $5,000 from the 2005 Festival of Lights show, $2,630 collected in barrels from spectators along the parade route, $2,500 from Three Hammer Construction and $2,000 from Cliffbreakers.

Marino and the Fourth of July Committee also organize the annual Holiday Festival of Lights. He said the fireworks-show surplus will be used to help jump-start this year's Festival of Lights in Sinnissippi Park.

Between now and the Nov. 26 opening ceremonies for this year's display, downtown East State Street merchants with storefront windows will be contacted by the River District Association and asked to display a holiday theme. Also new this year will be a Christmas tree in the Main Street Square. The plan is to light the Sinnissippi Christmas tree and the Main Street Square tree simultaneously.

"By enhancing the downtown experience, we're also enhancing the experience at Sinnissippi Park," Marino said.