With just over a month remaining until the Oak Harbor Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 3, the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is making the final push to reach its fundraising goal to support the fireworks show this year.

As a result of a significant 30 percent increase in costs due to continued supply chain issues, the Chamber reached out to the community for support to ensure that the event could continue. Thanks to business and individual donations, the Fireworks Fund Reverse Raffle, and the first Oak Harbor Lions Club sandwich sale in May, the Chamber has reached approximately 75 percent of its goal. The community still has an opportunity to support in the following ways:

The Oak Harbor Lions Club will host another sandwich sale – featuring its famous sausage and sirloin sandwiches – on Friday, June 3 from 4 – 7 p.m. and on Saturday, June 4, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the fireworks fund and can be purchased at the Oak Harbor Hardware’s Mill Street parking lot.

Similar to years past, the community can purchase paper stars beginning Memorial Day weekend through the end of June at both Community Markets and Friendship Sunoco in Oak Harbor. Stars can be purchased for $1, $5 or $10.

Monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 161 W. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH 43449.

“The Independence Day Celebration is a staple in Oak Harbor. It’s always been an opportunity for our community and families to come together in downtown to celebrate with one another. We can’t thank the community enough for stepping up this year to support our Village and this signature event that thousands look forward to every year,” said Valerie Winterfield, executive director, Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce.

Funds raised exceeding the amount needed for this year’s fireworks show will automatically go into the 2023 fireworks fund.

The annual, half-day fireworks event on Saturday, July 3 is free and includes food vendors, local entertainment, the Apple Festival Royalty Duck Race on the Portage River and inflatables for children, culminating with the fireworks display around 10 p.m.

“The 4th of July celebration is a beloved tradition in Oak Harbor. We have almost reached the goal, so special thanks has to go to the Lions Club, Community Markets and Friendship Sunoco for their additional efforts. Together, I am confident we will reach our goal and have another fantastic Independence Day celebration,” said Mayor Quinton Babcock of the Village of Oak Harbor.