Carlisle, Pa. - Carlisle Mayor Kirk Wilson was very worried the 50-year tradition of fireworks in Carlisle would end in 2009.

When he initially tried to raise money for the $25,000 show, the response wasn't typical. 

"One of my regular contributors, the first to respond many times, basically sent me a note that said I've had to lay off some of my employees, I wouldn't feel right making a contribution of this sort right now," Wilson said.

And so Wilson sent a call to the community for help.  It's a call the community answered.  The fireworks show was saved, and is set to go off around 9:30 Friday night.

Donations ranged from $25.00 from individuals, to a $10,000 donation from Members First Credit Union.

"When I was a kid that was a big day for us...we really looked forward to going to see a fireworks show," said Ron Greco, who works for the fireworks company Pyrotecnica.  "It's good that they were able to pull it off."

Many parents and grandparents were also happy to see the show saved.

"It was nice because at first it looked like there weren't going to be any so it was nice they were saved," said Becky Shover.

"Well I grew up here in Carlisle, so it's great," said Julie Estes.  "As a child that's what I looked forward to doing."

Wilson said the difficult economic climate strengthened his resolve to make sure the show would go on.

"We don't charge admission and so that me it, to me, even more important that we have a show," Wilson said.  "To give people who can't even afford to go to the movies...the opportunity to live a July 4th weekend like they have in years past."

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