Recent Stories

Fireworks

April 30, 2019

Festival Fireworks Fundraiser: Custom Logo Apparel Available, In Person Donation Day Set

Donations have started rolling into the Save the Ellwood City Fireworks fundraiser. Eric Rayner, the 26-year-old Ellport man who is leading the fundraising effort, said that as of April 30, donations total nearly $3,000 of the $5,000 needed to save the fireworks. The most recent donation was a $1,000 donation from the Ellwood City Police Department officers. “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve gained in just the few days we’ve been accepting donations!” Rayner said. “Our community has really stepped up and put their money where their mouth is. I’m strongly encouraged that we will raise above and…

April 24, 2019

Donation Collection Begins For Fireworks Fundraiser

Eric Rayner has officially began his Fireworks Fundraiser. He will be updating the public on the progress of his efforts as well as the amount of money collected on a regular basis on his “Save the Ellwood City Fireworks 2019” Facebook page. “I will update the Facebook page every night with updates on how much was raised,” Rayner said. He has already seen support from the community “The initial donations I received when meeting with Mayor Tony Court, Lt. David Kingston, council members Marilyn Mancini and George Celli, and Justin Neupauer of Alborn Tire Sales totaled $325,” Rayner said. Community…

April 22, 2019

Save The Ellwood City Fireworks Campaign Kicks Off

Ellwood City/Ellport resident Eric Rayner kicked off his “Save the Ellwood City Fireworks” campaign receiving his first donations towards his goal of 5,000.00. Making the first donations and pictured below were (left to right) Justin Neupauer of Alborn Tire Sales, Councilman George Celli, Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court, Councilwoman Marilyn Mancini, Lt. David Kingston on behalf of the ECPD. Rayner will officially open up for donations via Facebook on Monday. In his previously announced plan, Rayner has stated that should more money be raised than needed, some of that money will be used to purchase a bigger show for the…

April 18, 2019

Local Man’s Quest to Save Fireworks Ignites

Eric Rayner’s plan to rally the community to save the festival fireworks has been officially backed by the Ellwood City Arts Crafts and Foods Festival Committee. Rayner, 26, of Ellport, met with the committee on Wednesday evening to present his plan of action in the hopes of getting the committee’s “approval.” Although the committee offered Eric their support they are not hosting or leading the fundraiser. They have however agreed to host the fireworks, pay for the insurance, traffic control and grounds keeping for the fireworks event if the community raises the money needed to implement the display. Upon hearing…

April 9, 2019

Ellwood City School Board Expresses Disappointment Over Fireworks; Discusses School Start Times, Fields

The Ellwood City Area School District Board addressed the public on Monday night regarding blame placed on them by the Festival Committee for the cancelation of the Festival’s traditional fireworks display. The school board expressed disappointment in the Festival Committee’s decision to cut the fireworks, and Board President Jennifer Tomon said the move is simply political. “Local politics at its worst … that’s how I’ve seen the nine hard working people at this table and the EC football boosters, who I might remind everyone, are all volunteers, characterized,” Tomon said. “I would argue local politics at its worst would be…

April 8, 2019

Local Man Gains Support in Plan to Save Festival Fireworks

He’s a man on a mission to keep the traditional Festival Fireworks display shining bright. Eric Rayner, 25, Ellport, will have his chance to lead a community-wide effort to raise funds to keep the fireworks display. Humble about his plans, Rayner insists that he just stepped up because he saw a need. “This isn’t about me,” he said. “This isn’t a me thing. It’s a we (community) thing.” Rayner was just not ready to settle for a festival without its beloved fireworks. He found out during Monday night’s Ellwood City Area School District Committee Meeting that use of Helling Stadium…