PORT CLINTON, Ohio — The city of Port Clinton is already working on holiday plans for this summer with the help of area restaurants.
A new fundraising initiative is aiming to raise money for city's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
The Ala Carte Cafe in Port Clinton is a popular lunch break spot on Main Street. Although it is winter outside, inside they are already doing their part in getting ready for the holiday.
The Coins for Kaboom fundraising drive allows patrons at participating local restaurants to round up their bill to help raise the $14,000 needed for Port Clinton's annual Fourth of July Celebration.
"The city contributes what they can - it's about $2,000 a year - and has been for about the last decade and a half," Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider said. "But the vast majority comes from grass roots campaigns and out of the locals pockets."
Snider is also the chairman for the Port Clinton Fourth of July Celebration Committee.
The initiative just launched, but is already an easy sell for the folks at Ala Carte Cafe.
"It's really easy," server Lisa Radloff said. "We just ask the customers if they want to round up and most of them do. They don't really turn us down, everyone is supportive."
Mayor Snider says along with helping the community to celebrate Independence Day, the annual firework display is also a tourism draw for Lake Erie goers, averaging about 20,000 visitors.
"We're a town of 6,000, so those other folks have to come from somewhere," Snider said. "Whether they're day-trippers from the surrounding communities or those second homes." We're unique in the Port Clinton area where we have an abundance of second home owners. This Coins for Kaboom is an opportunity for those individuals that come into the community, they may not have access to the folks selling raffle tickets because those are usually local folks. This is a way for everyone to participate."
The Coins for Kaboom initiative is currently ongoing at four locally owned Port Clinton restaurants.
With the expectation is that another eight to 10 will be able to jump on before the end of the month.
You can also donate directly through the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce.
RELATED VIDEO