To the editor:

Celebrate America, South Whidbey’s annual July 3 patriotic event at Freeland Park, will be here before we know it.

The staff and volunteers at South Whidbey Assembly of God, the event sponsors, have been busy making all of the arrangements for the night of games, food, entertainment, patriotism and fireworks. It is a great honor to be able to organize the celebration for the community. In times like these, communities need, more than ever, events of this sort so the community can join together and celebrate our great country.

Some of the largest financial contributors to Celebrate America in past years have once again pledged generous support towards this year’s event.

However, the event can’t happen with the generosity of just a few businesses and people. The event only happens when hundreds of people give small and large amounts to support the event. We need each and every individual and business to contribute toward the cost.

The cost would easily be covered if:

• Every South Whidbey individual and family who enjoys the evening’s fireworks contributes a donation;

• Each property owner along Holmes Harbor who has a private party, barbecue or family gathering on July 3 contributes a donation.

• Each business in the Freeland area that benefits from the crowds in Freeland would contribute.

Would you be willing to help sponsor Celebrate America this year? Would you consider giving a donation so that South Whidbey can “Celebrate America” for the 16th year in a row?

Please pass the word around — everyone’s help is needed. Donations can be mailed to Celebrate America, PO Box 1449, Langley, WA, 98260 or by contributing at www.swagzonline.org.

Thank you in advance for continuing to make this patriotic event happen again.

Matt Chambers

Senior Pastor

South Whidbey Assembly of God