More Funding Needed For Fireworks
The fireworks are a go for the 4th of July, but there is still not enough money to pay for the celebration. Bettina Hannigan with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce says that they are just over half way toward funding the event with just over $4500 dollars raised. The budget for the display is $8000.00. Hannigan says that small donations from community members continue to pour in slowly. She says she would like to see more participation from business entities that are in Old Town. The afternoon and evening celebration brings a lot of business into Old Town, according to Hannigan, and businesses benefit from the added traffic. In addition to the fireworks, Habitat for Humanity is coordinating the watermelon and pie eating contest that is an annual treat. According to the chamber website the total annual cost for the event is set at $18,000.
Wings and Wheels
The annual Wings and Wheels event is happening a week from Saturday. The event comes on the heels of the 4th of July and features a classic car show as well as antique military aircraft and a showing of vintage jeeps. This year the event will feature a Texan AT6 and tickets are being sold for a chance to fly in the vehicle. The U.S. Coast Guard also plans a display for the event and a fly in of the Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter. Traditionally the event has been coordinated by Mike Groshong, who passed away suddenly in January. As a tribute to Groshong the event will feature a “missing man” flyover. The Wings and Wheels Committee coordinates with the city to pull off the annual event at the Florence Airport. Due to parking restrictions the city temporarily allows for parking along Kingwood street for the hours of the event. The event also coincides with the anniversary of the Oregon Coast Military Museum which will have special presentations, a color guard and a Barbercue.
The Wings and Wheels event begins at 10am on Saturday the 6th.
Park Name Narrowed
The City of Florence has narrowed down the possible names for the new park located on Rhododendron Drive. The city received 124 unique submissions and 173 submissions overall. City staff has narrowed down the names to just 9 possibles. There is a new survey located on survey monkey where residents can vote for their favorite. There is even a nod to the fame of Florence’s exploding whale. The survey will be available through July 7th and the announcement of the name will happen later in July.
www.surveymonkey.com/r/XBSRBZP
The city has also returned the utility payment drop box to the front entrance of city hall. Payments dropped off prior to 4pm will be posted the same day, payments after 4pm will be posted the next business day.
