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Aqua Jays seeking help to make Fourth of July a blast

JANESVILLE — Rock Aqua Jays organizers said they are confident they will raise enough money for Fourth of July fireworks and other festivities at this year’s Independence Day on the Rock.

Organizers said the event will cost $15,000, including $14,000 for fireworks and $1,000 for permits, park fees, barricades and stop signs, extra picnic tables and trash cans.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a new title sponsor, and The Gazette and WCLO/WJVL Radio will continue as sponsors of the one-day event Wednesday, July 4, at Traxler Park.

So far, $8,000 has been raised, including $7,000 from Blain’s Farm & Fleet. An additional $1,000 came through a Best Buy grant. A solicitation mailed to past givers is expected to generate another $3,500.

Additional dollars are being raised through a raffle with the help of the Rock County Tavern League and 12 taverns in Janesville. The grand prize is a 47-inch TV and bicycle donated by Gordie Boucher. Additional raffle prizes are expected. The raffle drawing will be at about 8:30 p.m. after the ski show, said Joshua Fox, Independence Day on the Rock chairman.

Fireworks donation cans are available at businesses throughout Janesville. Papa Johns has partnered with the Aqua Jays to put event fliers on the cover of its pizza boxes explaining the day’s activities and how to donate.

“We printed 1,000 fliers and will reprint, if necessary,” Fox said.

The committee has applied for two additional grants of $1,000 and $2,000.

“The Rock Aqua Jays want this to be a community-sponsored event,” Fox said.

Any money raised in excess of $15,000 would be put toward next year’s Fourth of July event, he said.

“We have a good start and continue our fundraising efforts. I’m very confident we’re going to be able to raise the rest of the money needed,” Fox said.

The Aqua Jays began hosting the Fourth of July event in 2010.

The group wanted to make sure community fireworks were available in Janesville, Fox said.

“We’re happy to host and perform for the community,” he said. “It’s a great family event to come and enjoy,’’ he said.

Fourth of July schedule

Independence Day on the Rock activities for the Fourth of July so far include:

1 p.m.

--Taste of Janesville: Local restaurants featuring food and snacks.

--Beer tent: Open until 11 p.m.

--Inflatable bounce house: Open all day

2 p.m.

--Anything that floats race: To enter, show up at the boat launch by 1 p.m. with your person-powered floatable device.

4 p.m.

--Idol contest: Anyone of any age is eligible to compete before an audience and local panel of judges. To enter, arrive by 3 p.m. the day of the event.

5:30 p.m.

--Live music: Classic hits and covers by Spin Cycle.

7 p.m.

-- Rock Aqua Jays water ski show on the Rock River

Dusk

--Fireworks: Nearly a half-hour of colorful explosions.