A fireworks display is coming to Ada on Friday, July 2, thanks to the efforts of several community-minded persons.
The free display takes place at approximately 9:45 p.m. launched from the Ada baseball field near the Ada park.
Here’s proof that a little spark can literally turn into fireworks:
Fireworks are not new to Ada.
In fact, a few of the donors to the upcoming display recalled reminiscences of fireworks, homemade noodles, and families gathering at War Memorial Park decades ago for a Fourth of July celebration.
A serendipitous conversation a couple months ago between Mayor Dave Retterer and Ada resident, Ann Donnelly Hamilton, was the ‘spark’ that initiated what will be the first fireworks display in the village in many years.
The two were discussing that Ada residents deserve their own show. The mayor told Ann that if she could raise the funds, he would make it happen.
Mayor Retterer went to work with the Ada park board and all the village aspects and Ann had a professional affiliation with Pyrotecnico, a Pennsylvania company known for doing fireworks, regularly in Las Vegas and for the Cleveland Indians.
The grass roots effort now had permission from the park board, the village and an agreement with the fireworks producer, but funds were needed to make it happen.
Here is the beauty of what Ada does and who we are:
Ann made literally six calls to share the idea that Ada wanted to host a fireworks show. Six calls was all it took. The calls were to explain that an idea existed, but there was no money to work from.
Without hesitation, every sponsor on the list said, “Tell us what you need!” Within 36 hours, the funds were raised.
Firework sponsors
Businesses including, Quest Federal Credit Union, Hamilton Construction and Property Maintenance, Hughes Body Shop and Four Seasons, as well as individuals including Bryan and Colleen Marshall, Noah Ristau and his family and Charles VanDyne are the reason the funds are available for this event that will celebrate America’s birthday.
Ann told the Icon that it needs to be clear that this group is making it happen.
In fact, she received calls from three businesses who heard about it and wanted to help support it.
“We hope it can be an annual event and bring back memories for many, while creating new ones for families,” she said.
The Ada-Liberty Township Fire Department is a significant and required player in this program.
“To hear Jay Epley’s response in the phone call made me tear up, just as much as the generous donors did,” said Ann. He emphatically told me, “We will be there!”
Map coming soon
The Icon will post a fireworks display map as soon as it is created. The map will reveal the fireworks location and will indicate where persons may view the display in the park.
