Group raising funds to bring back Fox Lake fireworks show

The annual Chain O' Lakes fireworks celebration appears to be back track after members of a not-for-profit group announced they are working to raise funds for the annual show.

Noreen Michael said Chain O' Lakes Fireworks has met with the village of Fox Lake and Fox Waterway Agency officials to obtain the necessary permits to launch fireworks over Mineola Bay on July 3.

She said those permits should be in place after a final meeting with the Fox Waterway Agency on April 22.

"All that's left is to dot the I's and cross the T's and we'll have our final permit," she said. "Now, it's just a matter of fundraising."

The fireworks show - unique because fireworks are launched off barges anchored in the middle of Fox Lake - is known for attracting more than 10,000 boats and 50,000 spectators.

Michael said her group has raised more than $5,000, and more fundraisers are planned in the coming weeks. A super raffle is scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Fox Lake American Legion Hall on Route 12. That event and features a silent auction, raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle, she said. It costs $10 to enter, but the entry fees covers the cost of dinner.

"We are hoping to reach $25,000 for the fireworks show this year," Michael said. "But, we won't have to lease barges this year because Shoreline Marine Contractors donated the barges."

Earlier this year, Chain O' Lakes Fireworks seemed to be on the verge of disbanding after a board member resigned due to a conflict within the group. Michael said that board member has been replaced and the group is committed to forging ahead.

"We are really hoping all the controversy and issues are behind us now," she said. "I am extremely confident the group in place now is committed to fireworks on Fox Lake. So, as far as I know, everything is fine and in place to bring fireworks over Mineola Bay."

Chain O' Lakes Fireworks was formed after former fireworks director Pete Jakstas, owner of the Mineola Marina and Lounge, stepped down in 2007 from organizing the show. The 45-minute show that cost about $60,000 was regarded as one of the best in the area.

In 2008, the village of Fox Lake crated a fireworks show on a village-owned land-based site off Rollins Road.

In 2009, Chain O' Lakes Fireworks stepped in and raised $20,000 and put the show back over water.