Holly Fireworks: The show must go on!

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Front Page » Community » Local News »

Holly Fireworks: The show must go on!

Written by Amy Mayhew

Monday, January 25 2010 3:42 pm

#phocagallerypiclens 2-phocagallerypiclenscode-Community/fred hopper.jpg

Fred Hopper

HOLLY, Michigan – While budget woes in the village of Holly have caused council members to potentially put the kibosh on this year’s fireworks, village resident and firework contractor Fred Hopper wants to make sure that the show goes on.

Prior to this year’s budget problems, the village was on the hook to provide $6,138 in additional funding for the fireworks.

Hopper said he would like to raise at least $7,500 for the show, hopefully a little more. “I’m looking to fund the fireworks for $7,500 or more so that we can keep the display as awesome as it has been for years now,” he said.

Hopper said costs have gone up for fireworks, and that he will continue to personally provide an additional $750 to $1,000 in extra fireworks to the show as he has done every year in the past.

Hopper, who has served as the village’s firework contractor since 2001 has established “The Holly Fireworks Fund,” an account through Citizens Bank where he hopes to raise the necessary monies to ensure Holly’s 2010 fireworks one of the best shows ever.

In addition to soliciting donations through a network of canisters spread throughout local businesses within the community, Hopper hopes to collect the necessary funds in a couple of ways. “Checks for any amount can be made out to “The Holly Fireworks Fund” and mailed to 112 N. First Street, Holly, Michigan, 48442,” Hopper said. “Or those wishing to make online donations through Pay Pal can do so in through The Holly Express.”

The Holly Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors gave Hopper a boost toward his efforts at their Jan. 22 meeting. By a unanimous vote, directors agreed to match all donations received in the Holly Fireworks Fund, up to $1,000.

Hopper is also soliciting four levels of sponsorship including bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels, from community businesses and benefactors. For more information on how you can become a sponsor, contact Hopper at (248) 328-9652 or (734) 516-0004, or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

“With a little bit of public support, we can make this the best display in the area, and it won’t cost the village any money at all,” Hopper said. “It’s the one day that our community comes together to celebrate our heritage and truly has an enjoyable evening – I don’t want us to lose that.”

4 Votes

14 Comments

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J.T. makes this comment

Tuesday, January 26 2010

I am very pleased to see Mr. Hopper spearheading the effort to raise the necessary funds for the fireworks! I will be making a nice donation through Pay-Pal and if I see a canister I will also donate there too. Lets all get donating and make this the best 4th of July fireworks display ever.Lets not speak of canceling something that is so fundamentally American again.Good work Mr. Hopper!
Janet Leslie makes this comment

Tuesday, January 26 2010

Thank you, Mr. Hopper, for not giving up, for finding another way, and for putting community first. There are other approaches you could have taken to this situation, but the fact that you chose such a positive one shows real leadership and is consistent with the commitment you have shown to the Holly area over and over again.
Jason Hughes makes this comment

Tuesday, January 26 2010

I was dissappointed to here the possibility of not having a fireworks show this year. I am glad that someone has taken up the cause to keep this event going. Thank you Mr. Hopper for your efforts in this.
Fred Hopper makes this comment

Tuesday, January 26 2010

Thank You, Janet, J.T. and Jason. It really makes my day to see this kind of support from everyone. I always knew that Holly had a strong community, and this all just proves it to me.
Jesse makes this comment

Tuesday, January 26 2010

Go get em Fred!
Fred Hopper makes this comment

Tuesday, January 26 2010

Wow, I am overwhelmed at the support from Holly. This is going to be great! I have heard nothing but support for this effort and it is really cool that we are making it a community effort.
Michael Matthews makes this comment

Wednesday, January 27 2010

Hey Fred, Keep fighting for the show that is essential to the 4th celebration to your town. I look forward to working on the show and having another great shoot this year. I am confident that the citizens of Holly will step up and make sure this shoot happens.
jeff makes this comment

Thursday, January 28 2010

Hey Fred maybe you should run for village council.Seems you are better at rallying people for a cause and raising money than the people ON the council!
Fred Hopper makes this comment

Thursday, January 28 2010

Michael, Thanks for the support!

Jeff, I do understand that there are a few seats up for election this November. I dont know if starting an effort to keep the Fireworks would qualify me for that type of position though. Never really thought seriously about elected office.
Peter Clemens makes this comment

Thursday, January 28 2010

Why not Fred? That's how I got started.
Fred Hopper makes this comment

Friday, January 29 2010

Certainly something to think about. Lets all get the Fireworks fundded before I jump into something else.
bryant makes this comment

Tuesday, February 02 2010

Best fireworks around! Ive lived here for five years and each year I get a couple new people to come and see OUR fireworks and they all leave saying the same thing WOW!. Lets keep our fireworks the best around.Fred hopper is a name I wont forget. He even got his business cards for free,somebody in office looking to save money that would be new.Thanks Fred your the man!
Fred Hopper makes this comment

Thursday, February 04 2010

Thank you Bryant, I really appreciate your support on the Fireworks. My crew does love to hear how much folks like the show, we always stop what we are doing immmediately after the show and listen to the crowd cheer. It always make a long hard day putting it all together worth every minute. Thanks Again.

By the way, I am not in office, simply a member of the community helping out where I can.
Fred Hopper makes this comment

Friday, February 12 2010

Hello Everyone!!

Jus a quick update on where we stand today. The paypal account on thehollyexpress.com home page is active and working, we have recieved a few donations so far. I have discussed what is going on with the progress, and as it stands, we have approximatly 4% of the funding needed. We have a matching grant from the Holly Chamber of Commerce of the first $1000.00.

I am also in the process of having a raffle ticket program, with the prize being awarded the week before the Fireworks at the Holly Chamber of Commerce meeting. The prize will be to get to light the First Shot of the Show, and if you would like, spend the afternoon helping to set up!

As I heard once on television "It just dont get any better than this!"

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