The Fourth of July wasn’t that long ago, but organizers of New Kensington’s fireworks display already are thinking about next year.

And they’re worried.

Proceeds from a basket raffle during a block party preceding this year’s display were supposed to help pay for next year’s fireworks.

Rain on July 6 not only forced the fireworks to be delayed a day, from Saturday to Sunday, but also cut foot traffic during the block party for a few hours — so much so that the basket raffle raised only $932 — less than half of the $2,000 that had been collected last year, event chairwoman Erika Plunkett said.

Plunkett is hoping people will step forward with donations.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday in 2020, Plunkett said she wants to put on a bigger and better display.

“We have to outdo the year before,” she said. “In order to do so, we need to get funds in.”

This year’s fireworks cost $15,000, she said. She’s expecting next year’s to cost as much as $17,500.

Plunkett said officials rely on private donations and conduct fundraising throughout the year.

“We don’t have a corporate sponsor,” she said, adding, “Having a corporate sponsor wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

Donations to the city’s fireworks festival fund can be dropped off or mailed to First National Bank at 322 8th St., New Kensington, Pa. 15068.

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