To the Editor:

As many of you know, fireworks have been a long-standing finale for Summerfest. This has been a joint venture between the town of Bethel and the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), with the town covering the cost of the show and the Chamber providing the labor needed to schedule and coordinate the show.

Unfortunately, the town’s Selectboard & Budget Committee has not included the request for Fireworks funding in the amount of $4,700 on the Town Warrant. It will ultimately go to the voters of the Town of Bethel at the Town Meeting. We know the fireworks are a beloved tradition of Summerfest and we would be sad to see them go.

If any individuals or organizations would like to sponsor or co-sponsor the fireworks show, please get in touch with the chamber at info@bethelmaine.com. You do not need to be a Chamber member to be an event sponsor.  Hopefully, we can maintain this great tradition.

We would also like to announce that the Summerfest Parade theme this year is the Olympics. Get together with your friends and family and put together a great float honoring the Olympics and the wonderful athletes who participate. We can’t wait to see the floats and to see everyone at Summerfest!

John Poole

Board of Directors

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce

Bethel