May 1, 2008
Dear Neighbors:
For those who don’t know me my name is Hal Rhoad and for 27 years I have had the pleasure of organizing the annual “Forth of July” fireworks show on Lake Burton. Thanks to your generosity this continues to be a great evening of fun. Unlike other fireworks shows Lake Burton has no “corporate sponsor”. For 27 years basically “you send it and we spend it” has grown from a $3,000 show to this years $23,500. (See financial statement enclosed)
DETAILS FOR THIS YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:
When: Saturday, July 5 @ 9:30 p.m.
Where: South End of Billy Goat Island
Rain Date: Sunday, July 6, 2008 (See note below)
Our reserve fund is at a reasonable level so we are planning on a strong year and a show of $23,550 is on order and we hope you will respond accordingly. Again we are asking for a $30.00 per family contribution, many of you are more generous and it is appreciated. (See 2007 contributions list enclosed)
Pyrotecnico out of New Castle, PA is again our show producer. Because of the growth of the show and the large shells included please stay back at least 900 feet from the shooting site and out from under falling embers as this is an obvious fire hazard.
Rain Delay: Our “rain policy” is as follows: If it is raining at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, “shoot night”, then we will delay the show 30 minutes and reevaluate our chances for shooting. We will then and only then make the decision to shoot or postpone the show until Sunday night. An announcement to postpone will come by bullhorn from the crew on the island after consulting with me. There is no reasonable way to contact all of you by phone. Storms can blow through quickly. If it is raining you will have to use your best judgment as to whether to come out so you can hear the announcement to postpone. Let’s pray for perfect weather!
We are still accident free for the past 27 years! I would like to ask all of you to treat the entire lake as a NO-WAKE ZONE to and from the show. Also, please make sure running lights, life preservers, and fire extinguishers are there and in good working order – let’s be safe!
SPECIAL THANKS to John Welch and Pat Thompson for the use of the barge to transport the truckload of shells and equipment safe and dry to Billy Goat Island. THANK YOU!!!
ALSO, MY THANKS, to Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department, Lakes Fire and Rescue, and Mountain Patrol for helping with safety and logistics: Julie Barnett with Coldwell Banker Mountain Brokers and the Georgia Power Company for their much appreciated help with this event.
Best wishes for a great summer!!!
Hal J. Rhoad
Make checks payable to: Lake Burton Fireworks. Please use the enclosed self-addressed envelop with all contributions and mail by July 1st, 2008 (in order to ensure proper listing on the contributors list). Also, please write on your check how you prefer your name to be listed on the contributor’s list. If you have any questions, please contact me at (770) 449-1444 ext. 207 . Our address is Lake Burton Fireworks c/o Cherokee Metals Company, 4648 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross, GA 30071.
Email is halrhoad@cherokeemetals.com