Local Fireworks Tradition Is Fueled by Volunteer Efforts

See my list of 25 additional traditional events

February 21, 2010
By: O. J. Cunningham

The annual 4th of July Fireworks Festival is one of the great traditions of Bay City, Michigan . . . and an integral part of the Bay City historical culture.

"We've been doing this Fireworks Auction for quite a few years," said Fireworks Board President Doug Clark, taking a break during his fundraising weekend..

Clark, with help from another fundraising volunteer, Mike Buda, reminisced a little and then named all the places that the Fireworks telethon has been held since its start in the late 1980s.

Fireworks Board President Doug Clark (Left) chats on camera with Bay County Commissioner Vaughn Begick and Bay City 3rd Ward Commissioner Dennis Banaszak during the telethon to raise money for the 2010 Bay City Fireworks.
(MyBayCity Photo by O. J. Cunningham)

It's been my experience that it takes an army of volunteers and dozens of behind-the-scenes workers to grow any new idea into a lasting tradition. "I think we started at (Gayle Sullivan's) Gerity Cable back in '88," Buda said, starting to list sites. Studio 23, Labadie Car Dealerships, Bay City Mall and other sites came to mind as the two veteran volunteers reminisced between stints in front of the Bay3TV and Charter Cable cameras.

The 2010 version of the Bay City Fireworks Festival Telethon was held this past week-end, February 20 & 21 at the Lumber Barons bar and grill on 804 E. Midland Street in Bay City. Activities were centered on the second floor in the banquet rooms and televised on local Cable through the combined efforts of Bay3TV and Charter Cable. "This is just a great room for an event like this," said Clark. "We want to thank Art Dore for all his support," Clark added.

Traditions grow from good ideas . . . nurtured by hard work and the sweat and perseverance of volunteers like the 30+ workers that scurried around the cameras and television stages at LumberBarons on Saturday and Sunday.

Jeff Doan and Mike Gwizdala were "behind the wheel" again for the 2010 fundraiser . . . keeping the auction moving and providing two days of fun and entertainment.
(MyBayCity Photo by O. J. Cunningham)

Got me thinking about the "GREAT TRADITIONS" of Bay City, Michigan. When I started my list, I figured I'd come up with a list that would number somewhere around 10-15 events.

Count Again!

Here's my list . . . If you can add something to the list . . . And . . . Feel free to comment at the end of the column. I think you're gonna realize just how great a place Bay City, Michigan is . . . by the time you finish reading.

In No Particular Order . . .

St. Patrick's Day (Al Kayner) Road Race

Fourth of July Fireworks

Labadie/Dow River Roar

Labadie and State Farm Pig Gig

St. Stan's Festival

Munger Potato Festival

Auburn Corn Festival

Linwood Pickle Festival

St. John's Festival

Bay County Fair

YWCA Art Fair

Downtown Bay City Sidewalk Days

Be Cool Car Show

Bay Arts Council's Summer Wenona Bandshell Series

Bijou Orchestra

State Theater

Shiver on the River Fishing Contest

Bay County Sports Hall of Fame annual Induction Banquet

Santa's House -- Santa's Arrival at Wenona Band Shell

Garden Club's Garden Walk

Tall Ships, Princess Wenonah, Appledore Cruises

Delta College Planetarium

East/West Side Wine Walks

River of Time

Festival of Lights (It'll be back some day) If you're not impressed with your city and your city's volunteers that make it all happen . . . Then read the list again.

Former Bay City Mayor, Mike Buda (Right) takes a donation from Handy Middle-schoolers (and their teacher) during the 2010 telethon fundraiser.
(MyBayCity Photo by O. J. Cunningham)