The Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area recently donated $1,500 to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 50 of Iron Mountain for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display. This year’s extended show will begin at dusk Saturday, July 4. TADCA Executive Director Dave Kasten, left, presents the check to Michael Laydon, SAL fireworks chairman. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — As America marks its 250th anniversary this year, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 50 aims to make this year’s Fourth of July celebration one to remember.

The organization continues its fundraising campaign to illuminate the skies above Millie Hill on Independence Day with an expanded fireworks show worthy of the nation’s semiquincentennial.

“We want to present an extra-special program to celebrate this incredible milestone,” said Michael Laydon, who has served as chairman and fundraiser for the community fireworks display for the past 20 years. “With your help, we can make this happen.”

The annual show will kick off at dusk Saturday, July 4, from Iron Mountain’s east side. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, July 5.

A patriotic display of red, white and blue will highlight the grand finale, he said.

“With the generous support of this community, the production has increased significantly from where we first started,” Laydon said.

This year’s budget is approximately $28,500, covering not only the cost of the fireworks but equipment rental, insurance and promotion expenses.

But Laydon said international tariffs affecting pyrotechnic suppliers added considerably to the overall cost of the event.

Although the event is not municipally sponsored, local units of government do contribute monetarily, with labor or both.

“The majority of the funds comes from individuals and businesses in the community,” he said.

Strong community support has enabled the SAL to once again produce one of the region’s premier Fourth of July fireworks displays, Laydon said.

“This year’s show will be bigger and more impressive than ever,” he said. “We hope residents from throughout the region will come to Iron Mountain and be part of this historic occasion.”

To help support the campaign, the Iron Mountain Fire Department will once again conduct its annual “Fill the Boot” campaign during the Independence Day parade, collecting donations from spectators along the route.

Laydon expressed his appreciation for the continued support the fireworks program receives each year.

“Without the generosity of our community, we wouldn’t be able to put on a show of this magnitude,” he said. “This display is truly a community effort, and we’re grateful for everyone who helps make it possible.”

In case of inclement weather, the SAL has set Sunday, July 5, as an alternative date for the show. Schedule updates will be posted on the City of Iron Mountain’s website www.cityofironmountain.com or Facebook page.

SAL still is seeking donations. Those wishing to contribute can make checks payable to SAL Fireworks Fund-2026 and mailed to SAL Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 1046, Iron Mountain, MI 49801. Anyone needing a donation picked up can contact Laydon’s office at 906-774-5357.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.