After a one-year absence fireworks will light up Bluffton’s nighttime sky as a pre-Fourth of July weekend celebration.

Bluffton fireworks, presented by First National Bank and Springfield Fireworks, Bluffton, a production of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place the evening of Saturday, June 28, in the outdoor athletic field area of Bluffton University at the corner of Bentley and Augsburger roads.

The chamber is currently seeking donations from area businesses, industries, organizations and individuals to help support the fireworks.

The cost of the fireworks is $8,000.  First National Bank and Springfield Fireworks will provide one-half of that cost in a matching donation if the Bluffton community generates the other half needed to put on the show. Any excess funds collected will go toward the 2015 fireworks. Donations will be accepted until June 1.

Donations may be made to:
Bluffton Fireworks
Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 142
Bluffton, OH 45817

The chamber invites Bluffton community organizations to take advantage of the fireworks event. The chamber will serve as coordinator of the day’s activities. Community groups wanting to participate on June 28, prior to the fireworks, need to contact the chamber.

“We are open to all types of family activities prior to the fireworks – from chicken barbecues, to games for kids, entertainment, pie-baking contests – you name it,” said Fred Steiner of the chamber.

“Working with First National Bank and Springfield Fireworks, we hope to create fun Saturday summer evening in Bluffton,” he added. “The important thing is that the chamber serves as coordinator so that we don’t duplicate activities on June 28.”

The chamber suggests groups interested in participating should plan their event to take place on the Bluffton University athletic field with a starting time of 5 p.m.

Several additional events will be announced soon. Those include a logo contest, recognition of all sponsors, and an official naming of the event.

Organizations interested in participating in pre-fireworks activities should contact the chamber at [email protected], or call Steiner at 419-369-2985.

A chamber planning committee includes Brendon Matthews, Larry Hoffman, Branden Fortman, Jamie Mehaffie, Tammy Whitlow and Fred Steiner.