(La Porte, IN) - The fireworks show on the Fourth of July will be held this year in the City of La Porte.

 

The decision stems from the La Porte Jaycees choosing not to sponsor the fireworks as they have in the past at the La Porte County fairgrounds.

 

The La Porte Jaycees is in the process of disbanding and will not host the fireworks show or any other Independence Day-related event, said Ross Ratliff, an officer with the public service organization.

 

The spokesperson gave no official reason for the group heading toward extinction. Still, declining membership was cited when the group chose to sponsor the Fourth of July parade no longer last year.

 

The La Porte Kiwanis Club now puts on the parade.

 

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said the fireworks at no charge would be at Clear Lake following a free concert by the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra at Fox Park beside the lake.

 

Pastor Dennis Meyer of Bethany Lutheran Church worked closely with the Jaycees for several years on some of the Fourth of July-related events. Meyer said the Jaycees disbanding is sad, but it presents an opportunity for another organization to step up, perhaps, and fill the void.

 

“Sometimes things run a cycle, and another group will start up with similar goals,” Meyer said. 

 

The Jaycees put on the parade for more than 70 years before handing the baton to the Kiwanis Club.