Oak Harbor Lions support July 4th fireworks display

        Amid rising costs everywhere, the Oak Harbor Lions Club is stepping up to support downtown fireworks in Oak Harbor with a Parking Lot Sandwich Sale fundraiser featuring its “locally famous” sausage and sirloin sandwiches, Friday, May 13 from 4-7 p.m., and Saturday, May 14 from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. in Oak Harbor Hardware’s Mill Street parking lot. All proceeds raised will benefit the 2022 July 4th fireworks display.
        A second sale is slated for Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4.
        “Community is important to us, and the fireworks are important to our community,” said ShirLee Eberle, of Oak Harbor Lions Club. “The Oak Harbor Lions felt it was a good cause for which to donate our profits from our May and June sandwich sales.”
        Earlier this year, the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce announced that fireworks costs had increased by approximately 30% due to supply chain complications, and the village is now striving to overcome nearly $5,000 in estimated additional expenses for its Independence Day Celebration.        
        “I am so thankful to the Lions Club for stepping up to support our community fireworks,” said Oak Harbor Mayor Quinton Babcock. “The Independence Day celebration means so much to the village.”  
        Predominately a product of Chinese manufacturers, fireworks compete for limited space on cargo ships. Staffing shortages in the shipping and trucking industries, as well as factory shutdowns, have contributed to product delays and cost increases for both fireworks production companies and backyard consumers.
        “The Chamber is committed to continuing our annual tradition of having the area’s best fireworks. Amid inflation and supply chain issues, we really need everyone’s help,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Valerie Winterfield. “We are nearly halfway to our fundraising goal and feeling confident we can get there with everyone’s support.” 
        In addition to buying a Lions Club sandwich, community members wishing to support the Fireworks Fund may buy a $15 dinner ticket to attend a reverse raffle on Saturday, May 14 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 SR 16, Oak Harbor.  The dinner will include raffles and other games with prizes. Supporters may also purchase paper stars sold at Oak Harbor’s Community Markets and Sunoco from Memorial Day weekend through June.
        Monetary donations may be dropped off or mailed to the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 161 W. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH 43449.
        For more information, call the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-898-0479.