The fireworks were at Lippold Park this year, yet the large fireworks’ launching raft still floats on Crystal Lake in front of Main Beach Park.

The Crystal Lake Gala has announced its dissolution after 22 years of service to the community.

All vendors and service organizations who have not yet been paid what they expected agreeing to settle for 60 cents on the dollar.

Now, I’m wondering if the park board is leaving the big raft in the water on the off chance that fireworks may return to Crystal Lake.

With the Gala Committee disappearing, I hope active members will start a new committee.

The 4th of July celebration won’t be the same without fireworks.

That $99,000 the Gala has will pay off $153,000 debt that is owed. Upwards of $300,000 was collected this year.

This is not the first time that a sponsoring organization for the fireworks has backed out of that arena.

The Crystal Lake Jaycees sponsored them at Veterans Acres in the 1960’s and 1970’s. You can read why the Jaycees ended their sponsorship here.