Fireworks organizers seeking donations

Certainly, organizers of Clovis' annual 4th of July fireworks display don't really favor one contributor over another. After all, as it says in a recent press release from the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, "any amount, no matter how big or how small, is greatly appreciated."

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Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ernie Kos says about $8,500 still needs to be raised for this year's "Smoke on the Water" fireworks display.

But Ernie Kos, the chamber's executive director, can't help but look fondly at organizations like Clovis Family Healthcare. When the 2011 fundraising days for the show "Smoke on the Water" were waning, a big contribution from the medical facility helped the chamber reach its monetary goals.

"They were the big heroes last year," Kos said.

With less than 10 days to go before Independence Day this year, and with a need to raise $25,000 total, the fundraising for the event is in a similar state.

Kos says that $8,500 still needs to be raised for the 2012 version, although groups like Hernandez Tax and VFW Post 3280 have given over $1,000 each.

"We've done a couple of mailouts. Typically we send out a solicitation and sponsorship contribution form," Kos said. "It's usually to chamber members or individuals who have contributed in the past."

And, if push comes to shove, organizers plan on hitting the telephone lines to raise the needed funds.

"We've done that," Kos said. "Honestly, we're just a little bit ahead of where we were last year at the same point."

Activities leading up the fireworks display at Greene Acres Park begin at 3 p.m. on the 4th of July and the majority of the money raised will go to pay for the multicolored light explosions some six hours later. But Kos said that other items, such as restroom facilities and the sound system for entertainment, has to be paid for as well.

Although the Clovis Chamber of Commerce is the chief fundraiser for Smoke On The Water, the brunt of the organization for the day's events falls on radio station KSMX of Clovis.

"We anticipate it'll be what people have come to expect with Smoke on the Water," said Duffy Moon of the KSMX morning show. "That's one of the largest fireworks displays in New Mexico."