Nothing is more American than fireworks on the Fourth of July holiday. Many credit unions nationwide are doing their part to support Independence Day by sponsoring fireworks and other colorful holiday events in their various communities in and around the traditional holiday.

In a showing of across-the-border camaraderie, the $750 million Fibre Federal Credit Union in Longview, Wash., is sponsoring the fireworks display for Rainier Days in the Park, which will run July 9-12 at Rainier City Park in Rainier, Ore. For the past four years running, the display has been voted best fireworks on the Columbia River.

Other area businesses also are sponsoring the four day event, including the $183 million St. Helens Community Credit Union in St. Helens, Ore.

Credit unions elsewhere also are weighing in when it comes to sponsoring the traditional explosions in the sky. Michigan State University Federal Credit Unions, a $2.8 billion institution, and the $600 million LAFCU, both based in Lansing, Mich., are among the sponsors of the 47^th Annual Delta Township Fireworks display on July 3 in Lansing's Sharp Park. The credit unions provided sponsorship funds that qualified them for the Silver and Gold level sponsorships, respectively.

For the $600 million Leominster Credit Union in Leominster, Mass., all it took was an $8,000 check (shown at left) to secure the premier sponsorship of Starburst 2015, the city's annual fireworks extravaganza..

“LCU is delighted to participate in this annual community event that brings enjoyment to so many,” LCU President/CEO John O'Brien said. “We have been involved in this local tradition for nearly 20 years, and we are proud to continue our sponsorship of Starburst 2015.”

The July 13 event at Leominster's Doyle Field will include music and other entertainment in addition to the fireworks. The credit union also is accepting member donations to offset the cost of Starburst 2015.

A full day of patriotic activities will be capped by the Red, White and BOOM! SkyConcert Fireworks sponsored by the $295 million Missouri Credit Union in Columbia, Mo. The events, scheduled for July 3 and 4, start with the Red, Bike and Blue bicycle parade around the state capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., followed by the Little Mr. and Miss Independence Contest sponsored by the $111 million River Region Credit Union in Jefferson City.

Even the Missouri Credit Union Association is getting into the act, sponsoring the World Championship Sand Carving Contest. It's one activity in two days' worth of events that include the Missouri American Water Carnival Land, historical reenactments, classic cars, funnel cakes, turkey legs, a petting zoo and, of course, a Budweiser beer tent. Music from Journey and Hank Williams Jr. tribute bands will entertain celebrants.

For the $2 billion Robins Federal Credit Union in Warner Robins, Ga., a renewed commitment and a $10,000 check presented to the Warner Robins Civitan Club (shown at left) was all it took to once again sponsor the Annual Independence Day Celebration in Warner Robins.

The July 3 event will take place at the Museum of Aviation and feature a concert by country artist Darius Rucker, followed by a fireworks show. Robins FCU has sponsored the annual celebration since 2002.

More than just fireworks will take to the skies over Dubuque, Iowa, on July 3 as the Dubuque Jaycees present the 30^th Annual Fireworks and Air Show Spectacular high above the Mississippi River. Among the event sponsors is the $600 million DuTrac Community Credit Union, headquartered in Dubuque. In addition to fireworks, celebrants at the A.Y. McDonald Park and Boat Ramp will be treated to an air show that includes a U.S. Marine Corps Osprey, a U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, among other aerial displays.

Denver-area residents will be able to celebrate July 4^th with fireworks thanks to sponsorship from $1.5 billion Elevations Credit Union in Boulder, Colo. ECU is the lead sponsor for an evening at Waneka Lake Park in Lafayette, Colo., that includes children's activities, music by The Fab 4 (no, not the real Fab 4), a bouncy house and beer garden. Fireworks begin at dusk.

San Mateo Credit Union, with $713 million in assets and located in Redwood City, Calif., is one of several sponsors for the city's 77^th annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks show.

The parade, this year themed “Our American Heritage: The Fabulous '50s,” will wind its way through historic downtown Redwood City. The parade will be preceded by a pancake breakfast and fun run and followed by a daylong festival featuring bands, food and “old fashioned family fun”. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. cap the day's events.

The board and staff of $2 billion Idaho Central Credit Union, headquartered in Chubbuck, Idaho, know how to celebrate Independence Day. This year ICCU is a major sponsor behind The Biggest Show in Idaho. The event, held July 2-4 in Pocatello, is one of numerous July Fourth celebrations the corporate credit union will participate in across the state.

Events include a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Fuel Color Run and a free Friday concert featuring, among others, a Creedence Clearwater revival tribute band. On July 4, ICCU and Pocatello's Portneuf Medical Center will host the Fourth of July Parade starting at 9:30am.

A vendor's fair and children's play area will fill the Bannock County Fairgrounds starting at 2 p.m. Free music, including American Idol finalist Devon Bodkin, will entertain the crowd, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

ICCU also will help celebrate July 4^th at parades in Caldwell and Rexburg and fireworks in Coeur d'Alene.

Instant Insights /

Credit Unions Help Ignite Independence Day Skies

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