Many years ago, Jim Scripps celebrated the Fourth of July by shooting off fireworks from a “rock” just off Charles Island.

The population of Lopez would flock to the south end, in the area of Richardson, to view the fireworks. While not necessarily artistic, it was a great deal of fun. Jim and his caretaker Butch Larson would fire off a few, then sometimes 10 to 20 minutes would pass before a few more would go up in the air. You were never quite sure when the show was over. With Jim’s passing a little over 22 years ago, three people got together and began to organize a group to do the fireworks display for Lopez Island. They kept the fireworks on the south end, and then decided to move the display to Fisherman Bay where more people would be able to view the show. It began small and has built up year after year to what it is now.

The show has gone way beyond just shooting off a beautiful display for the public to view. We have received publicity far and wide, and that publicity has used such verbiage as “the largest all volunteer, the most artistic, the biggest, the best,” etc. Even the fires a few years ago caused a great deal of publicity, not all good, but publicity that seemed to bring more interest. As a result of the fires, we now meet with several organizations to make the whole day better and safer for all that attend.

The Fireworks Committee, the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, Chamber of Commerce, and the Road Department all coordinate our efforts in traffic control and fire and medical safety. The Lions Club allows the Fireworks/Chamber of Commerce Float to lead the parade each year, collecting donations to support the fireworks display. We love it when even the smallest people (the kids) get such joy out of giving their pennies. The Lopez Yacht club does a wonderful job of collecting donations from boats in the bay and moored on docks. The Community Center and their wonderful grounds always welcome our salmon barbecue. For those of us that have been a part of this for many years it is a truly amazing thing.

We now pretty much saturate Lopez with visitors; the Washington State Ferry system sometimes even acknowledges Lopez’s popularity with extra boats. We hope this will be the case this year. It is our belief that the economy of Lopez is strengthened by our show, not just on the fourth of July but for the whole year.

The key to the success is one word: volunteer. Everyone in this organization is giving of their time. About 10 or so of these volunteers work pretty much year-round for this organization. During this next week, our group of volunteers grows greatly, and without this help, we could not do what we do.

The fact is that we could use more help in all areas of our endeavors. Even if you can give only one hour of your time, it will be greatly appreciated

The salmon barbecue committee needs help on July 3 through 5. If you can help please call Lia Noreen at 468-2646.

The “shooters” out on the spit really need help on the morning of July 5. All that stuff that fell out of the sky must be cleaned up. Bring a bucket and gloves out to the spit if you can help. Please call Rod Duncan at 468-3588.

We need help selling the fireworks shirts and pre-sale barbecue tickets at the Chamber of Commerce office, mostly in the afternoon. If you would like to help with this please call Dawn Lease at 468-2816.

The Chamber of Commerce needs help with the traffic control duties on Bayshore road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. This also involves driving a pilot car across the display area every half hour. Call the Chamber office 468-4664.

So get involved and help keep this important Lopez event going!

FREE CHARTERED BUS FOR VISITORS TO LOPEZ

Visitors to Lopez Island will get a break this Fourth of July, as Washington State Ferries will offer free parking at the Anacortes terminal July 3-7 and the Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce will offer free shuttle bus service from the ferry to Lopez Village and the South end from July 3-7. The bus will do extra duty on July 4th and late-night transportation to the ferry from the Village after the fireworks display is planned. For more information, call the Lopez Chamber at 468-4664 or visit www.lopezisland.com.