It’s kind of a big deal.
Not just for the United States, but for Logan County and the Indian Lake community. Because as we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary this July, plans are underway to make the annual fireworks display at the lake one for the ages.
First, though, they need the funds to pay for it.
Light Up the Lake became what it is today about seven years ago when they started getting larger donations. And though things have been going well, the affects of the 2024 tornado had an impact the area still feels today, including on the companies that, previously, had provided financial support for the lake’s fireworks.
The Light Up the Lake Spectacular can utilize eight-inch shells since they drop into the lake, as opposed to six-inch shells used fireworks displays in city locations. Those two inches make a difference in how high the blast will go, which creates a larger burst diameter and fall zone. (PHOTO VIA INDIAN LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
“Some businesses haven’t reopened yet, after two years,” Jon Watkins, who serves as the fireworks fundraising committee chair for the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce (ILCC), said. “We counted on those donors in years past, but they just can’t do it. They need to attend to business first.”
To make up the difference, the ILCC has pursued several fundraising efforts, with more to come. And it’s working. So far, they’ve raised $97,000 toward their $150,000 goal. Enough to meet their deadline of paying the 50 percent deposit by April 15.
They’re also getting noticed beyond Logan County.
On Friday, April 24, a film crew from Living Dayton, a WDTN Dayton (channel 2) program, came to the area to interview Light Up the Lake’s top three grand finale donors, who each gave $10,000: Above All Power Washing & Cleaning (Jake Stone), R.E. Becker Builders Inc. and Quest Federal Credit Union. The segment aired that night.
Then, on Tuesday, April 28, Watkins was invited to the Living Dayton studio to talk about the project by the host, Alexis Bellamy. Watkins shared the event’s background, how they’re doing, fundraising-wise, and future plans.
The Indian Lake fireworks display is already the biggest in Ohio. And yes, that’s compared to productions like Red, White and Boom. According to Watkins, the Columbus event is limited to six-inch shells due to its city location, while Indian Lake can use up to eight-inch shells. Those two inches make a difference in how high the blast will go, which creates a larger burst diameter and fall zone. Having the fireworks drop onto the lake is safer than on roofs or land.
With the fundraising going so well, Watkins admitted they’re looking at making the display even bigger, including the addition of 500 drones. What they have in mind would extend the show by 10 minutes.
Fireworks fundraising committee would like to add a drone component to the July 4 show. (INDIAN LAKE CHAMBER FACEBOOK PHOTO)
To make it all happen, the committee has two events scheduled for June, starting with the Firecracker Run on Saturday, June 13. This cruise around the lake will welcome motorcycles, side-by-sides, cars, dirt bikes, quads and off-road vehicles. Basically, anything that can travel at highway speeds safely can join the ride, which does bar golf carts.
Registration for the ride starts at 10:30 a.m. with kickstands up at noon. The cost is $20 per rider. That includes a light lunch provided by the host, LuLu’s at the Lake, 156 E. Main Street, Russells Point.
The day will include live music, a purse raffle and cornhole competition, and a chicken dinner. Indian Lake’s chamber is planning the event along with Rick Core and Brian Jones.
“We’re putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising,” Watkins said.
Commemorative T-shirts, shot glasses and drink koozies are already available for purchase. These items can be ordered at the chamber website—ilcfundraiser.com. To maximize funds going toward the fireworks, the chamber requests purchases be made using Venmo, which has no processing fees, though PayPal is another option.
The second fundraiser will take place less than a week later—a golf scramble at Cherokee Hills on Friday, June 19. More information, such as how teams can register, will be available at the ILCC website and Facebook page on May 8.
Some might ask if raising $150,000 for a fireworks display is worth it, especially in a community where families and businesses are still recovering from a devastating tornado.
Adding to the cost is the fact this show will be on Saturday, July 4—a double whammy as permits go up for weekends and actual holidays. The six-figure price tag includes Dumpsters, 24/7 security once the fireworks are on-site along with security for the actually event, port-a-potties, and hotel rooms for the company putting on the display.
But Watkins would argue it’s more than worth it for several reasons, like the legacy and tradition it represents. Plus, of course, there’s the tourist income it will bring to the community.
“It’s a paltry expense compared to what we’ll get,” Watkins explained. “The Indian Lake region attracts a lot of people and this is a huge draw. Restaurants will have two-hour wait times. The businesses around the lake will explode over that weekend.”
In other words, start planning now for what’s sure to be a memorable Fourth of July in Logan County!
For more information on how you can support Light Up the Lake 2026, visit the ILCC website or Facebook page, or text Watkins at 937-622-8918.
