Fundraiser Could Save Milpitas' July 4 Fireworks

With the community’s help, Milpitas’ July 4 fireworks celebration could be back on.

Milpitas City Council members Armando Gomez and Althea Polanski announced Thursday that they are fundraising to save the event, with a goal of collecting $75,000 in donations to pay for the whole thing.

“We will have that money and we will have a Fourth of July fireworks display this year,” said Polanski, at a special City Council meeting Wednesday night.

Already, Allied Waste has kicked in $15,000 and members of two of the city’s employee unions – the Milpitas Employees Association and Milpitas Supervisors Association – have volunteered to help at the celebration.

The Milpitas Chamber of Commerce has said it will reach out to its members for donations and volunteers.

"We will get the word out," said Carol Kassab, the chamber's CEO.

Gomez said he was inspired by his sons, ages 10 and 13, to raise money to save the celebration. They look forward to the fireworks every year, he said, and have been going “since they were babies.”

When Gomez told the boys the fireworks were cancelled, “I saw a certain disappointment in their eyes,” he said.

City Council cancelled the annual show at its last meeting in an effort to deal with Milpitas' $9.2 million deficit. 

The city is looking for volunteers and donations to keep the event going. If you can help let Gomez know at 408-667-0823 or armandogomezjr@gmail.com.