Firework fund short of goal

Staff report

Portales will once again have a professional fireworks display on the evening of July 4, but according to a Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce press release, the fireworks fund is still short of its goal.

The Chamber has contracted with J&M Displays for the show, which will start at 9 p.m. Friday and last for approximately 20 minutes.

The goal for this year’s show is $11,000, the same as in 2013. The fund has raised approximately $6,000 with less than a week to go.

“Last year, we actually achieved our goal with donations the week after the show,” said Chamber Executive Director Karl Terry. “We’ve made the goal every year since I’ve been at the chamber and I am confident folks will come through for us again. We just don’t want folks to forget.”

Terry said officials will take their cue for how big to make next year’s show based on the amount raised this year. He added if they beat their goal by $2,000, he’ll increase it next year by that amount.

The fireworks will be shot from the same location as in recent years, the football practice fields at Eastern New Mexico University.

Parking is available at Greyhound Arena and around the track and soccer field. Good viewing is from the north side of University Drive just south of the soccer field and on the grass along the sides of Greyhound Arena. The area south of University Drive is within the safety zone and no one will be allowed to park or view from there.

The show is set to a soundtrack of patriotic music which will be simulcast on KSEL-Country radio 105.9 FM. The chamber will have a sound system set up at the Greyhound Arena to play the soundtrack.

People can donate to the fund by dropping their donations off or mailing them to the chamber at 100 S. Ave. A, Portales, NM 88130 or by calling 356-8541 to donate with a credit card. Online donations are also accepted at portales.com.