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Radcliff business owners dig deep into pockets to fund fireworks show

The budget for the annual 'Summer Blast' festival got the ax by city leaders.

RADCLIFF, Ky. (WHAS11) -- The red, white and blue are on display in the city of Radcliff. Up until a month ago, American flags may have been the only symbol of American Pride for the 4th of July in the Hardin County community.

The budget for the annual 'Summer Blast' festival got the ax by city leaders.

"They decided to not be able to fund that due to the pension crisis and having to make up that difference this year," said J.J. Duvall.

But, he had different plans. He turned to various Radcliff business owners who dug deep into their pockets to fund a scaled-back version of Summer Blast - what he now calls 'Fireworks Over Radcliff.'

"To have someone reach into their pockets and give $500 or a business to reach into his pocket and give a $3,000 check, that's always meaningful and it shows that we in our community care," Duvall said.

One of the businesses that cut a check was the Tony Malito dealership in Radcliff.

"The young community is the future. So, you have to show them something, give them something to be excited about. When the community can do something like that, businesses can get together, you can't ask for more than that," said Fred Lennartz.

All of the costs, from the fireworks to the insurance, were covered through donations. The city allocated nothing for the event. Duvall says despite that, being able to continue a fireworks celebration because of the generosity of others is worth celebrating.

"Without the businesses stepping up, we wouldn't have been able to do it," he explained.

Festivities start at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen Church in Radcliff. The fireworks show begins around 9:45 p.m. and is expected to last 20 minutes.

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