(7/4/12 photo by Jamie Kinney)

Again this year, half a million dollars worth of sponsorships/donations are being sought for the Family 4th fireworks show at Lake Union – the city’s only big Independence Day display since 4th of Jul-Ivar’s called it quits after the 2008 show (this’ll be the fifth year without Elliott Bay fireworks). The official announcement – and how to donate, if you’re inclined – is ahead:

For a quarter of a century, the Family 4th at Lake Union has brought the community together to celebrate our nation’s independence and the joy of summer in Seattle with a day of free family friendly events and a spectacular fireworks show. Long-time producer One Reel reminds the community today of the need for broad-based constituent funding in order to produce Seattle’s fireworks show. Starting today, March 5th, and ending on March 31st, individuals and businesses have an opportunity to raise the necessary funds to make sure that this Seattle mainstay is a success in 2013 and beyond. Does Seattle still want fireworks?

“One Reel is proud to produce this iconic event that serves so many people from all walks of life,” said One Reel Executive Director Jon Stone. “Seattle’s fireworks celebration is truly unique in its nationally recognized display in addition to its location on Lake Union. We love that Independence Day is a holiday where everyone comes together, no matter where you’re from or what your background is, and the Family 4th is the epitome of our community joining together in unity.”

Already signed on to show their financial support in 2013 are Starbucks, Talking Rain, and Tom Douglas, providing a starting foundation towards the goal of $500,000. Talks with other local companies are in progress.

“Lake Union has historically always done what its name says—it unites us,” said the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). “Seattleites have been living, working, and playing on Lake Union for hundreds of years, and the Family 4th has become the centerpiece of that experience. As newcomers to the South Lake Union neighborhood, we at MOHAI are dedicated to supporting the community’s efforts to preserve this celebration, and look forward to watching the fireworks from our new home for many years to come.”

The Family 4th has become one of our city’s most cherished and unifying annual gatherings, and is generally thought of as a public utility that citizens have grown to expect and look forward to. Since 2010, non-profit producer One Reel has waived any net profit from the event, viewing the value it brings to the community as in line with the organization’s mission and goals, and managed to reduce the budget significantly from the historic title-sponsor model which was no longer sustainable. They continue to develop the new public participatory funding model that incorporates a variety of individual and corporate donors of all sizes.

The annual event reaches 500,000 people: 50,000 at the beautiful Gas Works Park, 250,000 around and on Lake Union and another 200,000 through the television broadcast, and costs approximately $1 per person served to produce. This is a bargain when compared to other family entertainment options. If the funding goal is reached, One Reel will enthusiastically bring their expertise to produce this nationally recognized Independence Day celebration this July.