Chehalis-based business Eagle Fireworks, the same company that has been putting on the annual shows for 25 years both in Eastsound and Deer Harbor, is set to launch pyrotechnics off a landing craft in Fishing Bay.

The only difference this year is the price tag.

For the time in its history, the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the show, has to ask the community for money.

“We will have a bigger show than last year,” said chamber director Lance Evans. “Our historical pricing has been $5,000, which is a super deal. Now, when you throw in the landing craft and an increase in fireworks costs, it’s $15,000.”

The chamber is fundraising with collection jars in businesses around town, through an account with the Orcas Island Community Foundation (all donations are tax deductible), and a booth at the farmers’ market.

This is the second year that the chamber has faced a hurdle with its annual independence day blast.

“Last year was the first year we couldn’t do the show on Indian Island, which threw us into more of a tailspin than any of us had anticipated,” Evans said. “Facing that issue proved both difficult for the chamber and the provider of fireworks. We located a landing craft that was able to shoot the show, albeit with a few technical problems, which disappointed all of us … Michael Rivkin of Crow Valley has volunteered to help us with the planning process this year; he has been dealing with the company in Chehalis.”

To donate

Mail checks (with “fireworks” in the memo) to the Orcas Island Community Foundation, PO Box 1496, Eastsound, WA 98245.