Donations should cover fireworks cost

Thousands turned out Saturday to stare in awe at a dazzling display of fireworks over Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Many of those thousands also generously donated to ensure the community-sponsored fireworks show would be just as vibrant next year.

Diane Higdem, events coordinator for the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, told The Press Tuesday that the chamber's fireworks fund, comprised solely of community donations, was at $15,500. It costs $22,300 to put on the show every year, but Higdem said the chamber is still waiting for final numbers of funds generated through parking and donation buckets that were placed at the Boardwalk, Silver Beach and Blackwell Island marinas.

"I'm feeling kind of optimistic here," said Higdem. "I think we're going to get it right on the nail, or pretty darn close to it."