Get Ready To Celebrate Independence Day!

    HARLAN -- The Harlan community once again will be treated to a fireworks show this Fourth of July, due to the fund-raising efforts of the local American Legion and financial generosity of local residents and businesses.
    For more than 30 years Harlan American Legion Post #150 has fund-raised for the firework display.  Donations are pooled to reach a goal of $5,000 each year to put toward the annual fireworks display.
    This year’s show has been purchased and is ready for display, but the Legion currently is fund-raising for next year’s show.
    “Fireworks are one of our big gifts to the people of Harlan,” said Bob Cook, commander of Post #150. “The people of Harlan are just so patriotic and this is the least that we can do.”
    This year’s show will be 10 percent larger due to fund-raising efforts during the past year that have allowed for more fireworks to be purchased for 2016.  All donations go directly toward the show.
    “We don’t make a penny off of it,” Cook said. “Year after year it all comes together.”
    As the collections have started for the July 4, 2017 show, they are at $17 of the $5,000 goal.
    “We’re not that wealthy of an organization,” Cook said. “We use money for scholarships and provide for Boy Scouts and others. But, we will get there sooner or later. People are pretty generous around here.”
    The American Legion will be collecting money for next year’s show during the fireworks program this July 4th, but they also have various cans set out in convenience stores around Harlan. Donors also can send a check to the American Legion at American Legion Post 150, P.O. 525, Harlan, IA, 51537.
    Cook said part of the Legion’s mission is to create an opportunity for families to come together and promote a feeling of patriotism.
    “I’ve lived in 16 different states and a couple foreign countries, but this community goes way out of the way for Labor Day, Memorial Day and July 4th,” Cook said. “I think this is a pretty neat place to live.”     
    The fireworks show will begin at dusk Monday, July 4th at J.J. Jensen Park in Harlan.