Fireworks for Jacksonville Light Boat Parade in jeopardy

Organizers calling for firework display donations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 29th Annual Light Boat Parade is in about two weeks, but the special event may lose some of its spark.

The city cut ties with the event two years ago and private donations have kept it afloat since then, but this year has been a struggle.

For nearly 30 years, the event has been one of the biggest celebrations in Jacksonville, but organizers are worried that the boat parade is losing its star attraction, the fireworks show.

"The fireworks for the boat parade is that one fireworks show the everybody always talks about, with the Spectacular waterfalls off the bridges," said Michael Chambliss.

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Chambliss, organizer of the event, told Channel 4 that the for the last two years private donations paid the $50,000 bill for the fireworks. This year, organizers are $16,000 short on funding for the fireworks.

Chambliss is hoping local businesses will step up to help them meet their goal.

"There have been several people that have pitched in. We've had a lady that sent us a check for $50, there's been a couple of corporations that have sent $250 checks," said Chambliss.

Chambliss said that he's not sure why donations have dropped this year. He suspects people are just cutting back. Chambliss said on average, 150,000 people watch the boat parade and fireworks along the north and south banks of Jacksonville.

Those who would like to make a donation to help save the fireworks at the boat parade can visit boatjax.com.