Chain O' Lakes fireworks show in doubt

The annual Chain O' Lakes fireworks celebration in Fox Lake faces an uncertain future once again.

Fox Lake Mayor Ed Bender said he has learned the not-for-profit group Chain O' Lakes Fireworks may on the verge of disbanding, putting the annual display in jeopardy for the third time in as many years.

Bender added the hope is that either another group will step forward to take the reins, or that the village could somehow find the money in a tight budget to continue the celebration over the water.

"There are no answers on what will take place," he said. "Basically, a question for the village is, should the village take it over for good? And, if so, how do we raise money for it because the budget is tight?"

Bender said the village expected the not-for-profit group Chain O' Lakes Fireworks to continue putting on the display.

That group - formed in 2008 - raised the money needed and put on the $20,000 display on Fox Lake in 2009.

But Tim Triggs, former co-director of the group, said he was resigning due to "differences of opinion with people within the group."

The other co-director of Chain O' Lakes Fireworks, Noreen Michael, did not return phone calls Thursday seeking comment.

Bender said Michael also has not returned phone calls from the village regarding the status of the fireworks celebration.

Triggs said he is unsure whether Michael intends to continue the group or plans to fold it.

Chain O' Lakes Fireworks was formed after fireworks director Pete Jakstas, owner of the Mineola Marina and Lounge, stepped down from doing the annual display over the water, widely regarded as one of the best shows in the area. Jakstas formed his own not-for-profit group to raise money and put on the $60,000 display over Mineola Bay on Fox Lake. After more than two decades, Jakstas put on his last show in 2007.

In 2008, fireworks were held on land, on a village-owned site off Rollins Road. The show returned to the water in 2009.

Nancy Rogers, head of the village's parks and recreation department, said she would love to see the fireworks continue, but is unsure how to make it happen.

"We put calls in to a couple of organizations to see what is happening, but so far, no one has stepped up to continue the event," she said. "Right now, we are just exploring all options to see how we can get it done."