APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The city of Appleton is celebrating Independence Day with its annual fireworks show Monday night.
While crowds will pack Memorial Park, there are now questions about what the scene will look like next year, as the group that organizes the show is stepping down.
The Appleton Area Jaycees have been running the city’s Fourth of July celebration for decades. But after this year, the non profit organization will no longer be the host.
In a statement made on Facebook Friday, the Jaycees wrote:
Times are tough and due to lack of funds, sponsors, support and volunteers, we have been driven to make this difficult decision. Our organization feels that we are now stretched too thin to do this large event the proper justice.
“I love cooking food and if it’s for a great cause, why not,” said Luke Frame, owner of Flavor Frame, a BBQ food truck in Fond du Lac.
Proceeds from the fireworks show go to support the Jaycees’ Christmas shopping event for area children in need.
“They get 20% of our total sales, so that’s great,” said Frame.
Frame saw the Jaycees looking for volunteers for the Appleton’s fireworks show.
“So I was like, “Hey do you guys need a food truck?” And they were like, “Yeah, we don’t have a BBQ one,” so I was like, lets bring BBQ to Appleton,” said Frame.
This may be Frame’s first time working with the Appleton Area Jaycees, but knowing this is their last time hosting the fireworks, he says it’s sad.
“I mean this is for a great cause and wish it could keep going on but that’s above me, but if it happens again, I’ll definitely be here again,” said Frame.
“Thank you to the Jaycees for hosting it,” said Desmond Vanhouten. “We’ve enjoyed the one time we came, enough that we came back this year.”
This is Vanhouten’s second time coming to Appleton’s fireworks with his family.
“We just love the whole atmosphere, love the bands that they have here before hand, all the food vendors that they have,” said Vanhouten.
The Appleton Area Jaycees has been around for over 80 years.
Vanhouten says it’s unfortunate a tradition is coming to an end, but is hopeful a new one can start for the Jaycees.
“Hopefully we can figure out something as a community for Appleton, with a town this big, hopefully we can find some support somewhere,” said Vanhouten.
The Jaycees say if your organization is interested helping host Appleton’s fireworks next year, they’d be happy to offer advice, wisdom and contacts. Click here for more information.
