DOWNEY -The public fireworks show that the city of Downey has funded for $25,000 may prove problematic for the organizations running firework booths this year.The 17 organizations, whose sales began July 1, are hoping that residents will not eschew their own firework purchases in favor of attending the public show. Downey First Christian Church, a first time participant in firework booth sales, hopes to gross $5,000 by the end of the event. The youth pastor of the church, Stephen Plate, states, "people that always buy fireworks will still always buy fireworks, although it might affect people that are on the fence as to whether they will buy fireworks." Though Plate is cognizant that the public fireworks display may be inopportune for the church's new booth, he still believes that "the loyal ones will buy." Another organization, the Elk Lodge, estimates that by the end of the event they will earn $10,000 - $15,000 in proceeds, which will be used to serve the area's handicapped children as well as shuttle children from the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center to Disneyland. The Elk Lodge group feels that though the city's fireworks show might adversely impact their sales, the bad economy will ultimately present a much greater challenge to their booth's success. The American Legion feels that the Downey public fireworks show will not affect them, although Henry Diebel, the adjutant for the American Legion, said, "I seriously doubt that we will do as well as last year because of the economy." The American Legion hopes to raise $4,500 to help pay for their rising insurance expenses. -Stephanie Cobau, Intern

********** Published: July 3, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 11