Finalists vie for fireworks
Four U.S. towns are closer to winning a free fireworks display and party on the Fourth of July. A panel of judges chose the towns out of more than 2,600 entries submitted from all 48 eligible contiguous states as part of the Red, White and You Fourth of July Celebration contest.
For the third straight year, USA TODAY and Destination America, the cable TV network, have teamed up to award two towns a fireworks display. The finalists are:
WAVELAND/BAY ST. LOUIS, MISS. Hurricane Katrina left residents of these two communities without homes, jobs and, worse, without loved ones. Ten years later, those who remain have rebuilt their towns. Because the towns have gone through similar struggles, they are being considered individually for the grand prize but also could win as a combination.
Many residents of
MIDLAND, PA. this Pittsburgh suburb lost their livelihoods when steel mills shut down more than 30 years ago. They’ve managed to hold on to the tradition of an Independence Day parade and fireworks show that draws thousands from nearby towns in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. Money for the show has become more difficult to raise in recent years.
The City of Gold,
OROVILLE, CALIF. so named for its place in California history, used to shine on Independence Day with a large fireworks show from the nearby 770-foot-high Oroville Dam. In recent years, the dam has gone dark because of a lack of funding for the show. With many retired military veterans living in town, residents are hoping the dam can light up again.
Two tornadoes
PLATTEVILLE, WIS. tore through this town last year on June 16. With families displaced and more than $20 million in damage, last year’s Fourth of July celebration was bittersweet. Residents have struggled to rebuild, but they’re hoping to celebrate the Fourth with as much gusto as before.
Marc Etkind, general manager of Destination America, says the towns “represent the strong spirit of America that helps us come together in times of recovery.”
Winners will be announced June 5 in USA TODAY.