Chronicle Editorial

Rotary and Chamber should be commended for saving fireworks event
   Few likely don’t realize it, however, up until about 10 days ago, the skies would have been dark for the Fourth of July weekend.
   That’s when Hampton Rotary Club members led by Brad Staley, and members of the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce teamed up to save the annual event. With the demise of the Hampton Jaycee Club earlier this spring, no one had picked up the torch to continue the event. However, when 4G Pyrotechnics of Belmond had offered to do a show on July 3rd at the Franklin Count Fairgrounds, Staley and the Hampton Rotary Club sprung into action committing to raising $1,500 along with a dollar for dollar match of another $1,500 from the Franklin County Tourism, a division of the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
   So, take a few moments to thank Staley, 4G Pyrotechnics, GFCCC Executive Director Newt Grotzinger, and the rest of the chamber staff for coordinating the show on short notice. With the community’s support, and future monetary contributions towards the event, the show can live on next year in a bigger and better fashion.