Janice Ayres is just as disappointed in the Fourth of July fireworks show as the people who crammed Mills Park and surrounding neighborhoods to watch them, but for a different reason.
Ayres, executive director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, made a public plea for contributions to pay for the show and fell short by $1,905. The difference was paid out of RSVP's budget.
The cost of the 10-minute show was $12,000.
"This is the smallest amount we've ever spent (on a fireworks show)," Ayres said.
Ayres has not received any complaints directly, but understands the disappointment of the short show.
"The bigger the bang the better the show, yes, but it costs more money. Those things don't come cheap.
"The Lake (Tahoe) spends $100,000 for their show and all the casinos kick in. I don't have any idea how much the Reno show cost. The big casinos shot the fireworks off from their rooftops."
Ayres said she is meeting with Larry Osborne, executive vice-president of the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce, on Monday to talk about getting the chamber involved.
"Even if it's just with a letter, to make a plea to the community and businesses for help, it would be good," Ayres said.
She said each year is a cliff hanger over whether she will have enough funds to have a fireworks show. In addition to the Fourth of July fireworks, RSVP for the past two years has held a fireworks show for Nevada Day, in conjunction with a carnival. They are two major fund-raisers for RSVP's Home Companion and Lifeline programs.
She said the Greater Nevada Credit Union used to fund the entire show, but pulled out when the Ormsby House did a fireworks show at the same time.
"They couldn't justify having two fireworks show," Ayres said. "But they have come back and helped us."
Ayres said she has written to the fireworks company and told them the show was very short. She asked for an explanation but is sure it is due to cost of materials.
"I am open to suggestions from the community as to how we can raise more money. And, we'll take donations year-round for the shows.
"It comes every year, me begging people for money. I wish we could come up with a plan with the chamber to work this out. We've asked casinos, restaurants and hotels, and we've come up blank."
Ayres said she will try to get an early start in raising funds for next year's show.
"If people want fireworks for Nevada Day they better divvy up, or we're not going to do them - unless we win the lottery."
Contributors to the July Fourth show include: Sierra Truss Company, Adele's, Alpine Insurance Company, First National Bank of Nevada, Atlantis Casino Resort, Greater Nevada Credit Union, William and Rebecca Mabry, Peterson Plumbing, J. Wright, Philip and Jan Christopherson, Michael Enright, Arthur Hannafin, Patrick Glick, Realty Executives, Carol McIntyre, Denise Rollings, Royal West Carnival, Millard and Elizabeth Irwin, and Toni Leffler.
Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
Donations: First National Bank, 1101 N. Carson St., Carson City, 89702; or mail to RSVP, 501 E. Caroline St., Carson City, 89701
RSVP e-mail: branded@rsvp.carson-city.nv.us
RSVP phone: 687-4680
