They're at it again, folks. Planning, organizing, scheming, conniving, wheedling, sweet talking, cajoling and just up to their all around shenanigans, this "Gang of 21" is. That's because they're rounding the far turn and heading for the home stretch. I was just kidding about the scheming, conniving, wheedling and cajoling, but, as always, they continue busting their tails, working hard to bring you the very best in entertainment to celebrate this year's Fourth of July right here in the good ol' Portage Lakes.

I'm referring to none other than Dano Mundy, chairman of the Portage Lakes July Fourth Fireworks and Boat Parade Association (PLJFFABPA - How's that for a mouthful of acronym?), and his 20 other cohorts.

Each year these dedicated individuals sacrifice their winters, springs and part of their summers to assure the Fourth of July tradition continues here in the Portage Lakes. They do work hard, yes they do. But they can't do it alone. And yes, they sweat, too. That perspiration comes mostly from their deep concern about whether they'll receive enough donations in time to assure everyone the most fireworks bang for the buck. The key words here, folks, are "in time."

I've mentioned before that if the contract's signed early enough, they could take advantage of bonuses (as an incentive, many companies throw in extra rockets).

Based on past fund raising experiences, they expect the funds to arrive timely but that's never a guarantee. And, because of those expectations, they've selected Saturday evening, July 5, as the launch date. Now they're approaching the homestretch.

If you've enjoyed past shows, you know the quality firework displays Dano Mundy and his "Gang of 21" produce. And I know you'd like to help assure they make their goal in time in order to acquire the best deal available. So here are five ways you can help.

1. Make out your check to The Portage Lakes Fireworks Association; and mail it to P.O. Box 26923; Akron, OH 44319-6923.
2. Use your Visa or MasterCard by visiting www.Portagelakes.com on the Internet and follow the directions on how to donate.
3. Drop off your donation at National City Bank, corner of S. Arlington Road and Route # 619 (East Turkeyfoot Lake Road) in Green.
4. Use PayPal by visiting plfa3910@yahoo.com also on the Internet.
5. Or drop off your donation at Dano's Lakeside Pub, S. Main Street in Green; Dusty's Landing, Dusty's Road, Dietz's Restaurant or George Ayers Insurance, both on Route # 619 (West Turkeyfoot Lake Road) and all in New Franklin or Cole Industries.  

   You say you'd rather help commercially, perhaps advertise and give your business some much needed exposure? After all where else can you reach the multitude of potential customers over the Fourth of July like you can right here in the Portage Lakes? Well, folks, you're in luck. This "Gang" thinks of almost everything. You see, they've put their 21 collective heads together and presto - just like that they've come up with three advertising packages. In reverse order they are:

•  For $100, your business - will be mentioned in print after the June 21 golf outing; have a golf hole sponsor sign at the golf outing and you'll receive one PLFA printed t-shirt.
•  For $250, your business - will receive all in the above number 3; plus, an extra t-shirt; your business logo on the back of the 2008 t-shirts and one dinner ticket for the June 21 golf awards dinner held at Dusty's Landing.
•  For $500 or more, your business - will receive all in the above number 2; plus an extra dinner ticket to the golf awards dinner; the radio station will randomly announce your name as a sponsor during the week prior to the event; your business will be mentioned twice (two cut-ins) during the fireworks simulcast; and you'll receive two weekends with your business name on an illuminated electronic message center.

   Thanks to their sister radio station, WKDD, this year's $40,000 July Fourth fireworks extravaganza will be simulcast from Mason's Point where the show will be launched by Clear Channel 106.9 FM. Remember, the time and date is dusk, Saturday, July 5 with a rain date of Sunday July 6.

  When all details are finalized, including the naming of the grand marshal, I'll cover the boat parade in a future column. Until then, keep reading the "Outtakes" column for all the news on this year's fireworks and boat parade.
 
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