Note: This column appears in the June 2022 edition of Great Seal Living.

It wasn’t difficult to feel the energy level rise last November when we flipped the switch on the Light the Park holiday lights display in Yoctangee Park. Sure, Ohio Magazine was on hand to present Chillicothe with a Best Hometown award, and we were coming off the lost COVID year, but something was different.

The unbelievable effort of the Light the Park committee created a new approach to the holiday season that will have lasting impact for years to come. That group is forming a new non-profit, Shine on Chillicothe, and are off to a great start to make the season even more special in 2022.

With that in mind, another group – Chillicothe Rotary Club 6690 – put its time and energy into a focus on making July 4^th another great destination spot for our nation’s birthday. Past fireworks shows have been limited by budget and were good, but not great. The goal was the change that.

For 10 to 12 years, according to Brian Knoles, the Ohio Arts Pyrotechnic Guild, a non-profit association of firework professionals, has had “a dream … to put on a show for Chillicothe that we feel Chillicothe should have – size wise,” according to an interview he did with Litter Media earlier this year.

OPAG has many members in the southern part of the state and those members consider Chillicothe “our backyard.” For many years, the group did fireworks shows in other towns and thought the same, or bigger, show could be done in Ohio’s First Capital.

So, OPAG, Rotary and the city began a partnership in January with a singular goal: surpass the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial fireworks show in Chillicothe and make our show “the premier show in southern Ohio.”

“It’s such a great setting for fireworks … it’s a great place for fireworks show,” said Knoles.

He’s correct. Anyone who goes into Yoctangee Park falls in love with its beauty, wide array of activities and people consider it one of the greatest aspects of living in Chillicothe. Community development specialist Quint Studer called it, “your Central Park, complete with your version of the High Line.”

The fundraising goal was $30,000 and the City, which has traditionally done the fundraising and managed past fireworks shows, is also contributing to the cause. OPAG requires a fee to cover its equipment and insurance costs, but its members volunteer to set off the fireworks.

The goal has been surpassed, but organizers are continuing to solicit donations to add to the show and get future shows on solid financial footing. Sponsorships range from $100 to $5,000 and all points in between. Adena Health System is locked in as the finale sponsor and other sponsors include Classic Brands, Kingston National Bank, and others.

Future goals are a larger show, a Fourth of July parade, sidewalk sales at downtown shops, and turning Yoctangee Park into an all-day destination to celebrate America’s birthday.

It’s exciting to see local organizations step into the gap when the community needs to sustain key celebrations and traditions. Every one of those traditions needs new blood occasionally to ensure longevity. New ideas usually bring different sources of fundraising event and sponsorships allow local businesses to attach their name to the things that matter to them most. One business may want to support women’s projects, while another supports veterans’ programs.

We’re trying to create what we did in Christmas again in July. By having one organization on the fireworks, we create a direct connection in the community’s mind between the event and the organization. The group takes ownership, and the winner is the community.

Once Chillicothe and Ross County takes pride in something, they want to put everything into that thing. This is another example. It’s just another way we’re building a vibrant community.

Mike Throne is president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber and the co-host, with Marty Ford, of the Feels Like Home podcast. He can be reached at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com .