(LaPorte, IN) - An estimated $20,000 in fireworks for a festival cancelled by COVID-19 found a 4th of July home above Pine Lake in LaPorte.
The 200 or more boaters anchoring down on the water to see the show didn’t leave disappointed.
The show in many ways was better than the annual fireworks display at the LaPorte County fairgrounds also cancelled by the virus.
“Great show,” said Pastor Dennis Meyer of Bethany Lutheran Church in LaPorte.
Originally, the fireworks over Pine Lake were reserved for the annual Red, Wine and Brew tasting and country music concert the church hosts every year to raise money for local first responders.
The event scheduled July 3 at Stone Lake Beach and the traditional fireworks display sponsored by the LaPorte Jaycees on July 4 at the fairgrounds were both cancelled.
Just when it seemed there would be no fireworks this year opportunity knocked when Greg Ake offered his yard along Pine Lake near Island Drive for the church to have their fireworks taken off the shelf and professionally detonated.
“We weren’t going to have anything then all of a sudden we were able to make it happen,” Meyer said.
The fireworks show was not given any publicity to avoid large congregations but word of mouth spread jamming the water with patriotic boaters.
There were also good sized crowds in spots along the shoreline.
A full orange moon reflecting off the water along with ideal summer like temperatures and calm winds enhanced the experience.
“It really is about perfect. Once again, some great community members came together to do something special,” said Carrie Garwood, outreach/volunteer coordinator at the church.
