PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK The Garwin Enrichment League’s 2023 Freedom Days booth. The non-profit community organization is currently working to raise funds for the 2025 Garwin Freedom Days fireworks display.

GARWIN — The annual Garwin Freedom Days celebration is at a crossroads, and organizers are asking for the public’s help moving forward.

According to the non-profit Garwin Enrichment League (GEL), due to budget constraints, the City of Garwin will no longer be able to fund the community’s annual Freedom Days’ fireworks display beginning in 2025.

In order to ‘keep the Garwin Freedom Days tradition alive,’ the GEL is seeking the community’s financial support.

“Our small town can do big things!” a recent post shared on GEL’s Facebook page reads. “Garwin always had THE best (fireworks) display EVER! However, like most small communities, the funding for fireworks just isn’t available from the city after this year. 2024 could be the last year for fireworks.”

GEL has been diligently working to raise funds for future fireworks displays through its monthly community breakfasts, a St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage feast, Soup with Santa, and more. In order to ‘GO BIG’ in 2025 the organization is now also seeking individual donations as well as sponsorships from the community for several 2024 Garwin Freedom Days events including the barbeque contest, parade, kids games/inflatables, fireworks, and more.

All donations — no matter the amount — are appreciated and will be recognized by name on both a Freedom Days banner and on printed event flyers.

Donor levels include: Platinum — $2,501 and up; Gold — $1,001 to $2,500; Silver — $501 to $1,000; Bronze — $101 to $500; and Honorary — up to $100.

Those wishing to donate can mail a check payable to GEL to: Garwin Enrichment League, 706 3rd Street. Garwin, IA 50632.

A deposit can also be made directly at any Lincoln Savings Bank branch. Those interested in sponsoring a Garwin Freedom Days event are asked to reach out to Darcy McCubbin at 641-751-6889.

Garwin’s 2024 Freedom Days celebration will take place on Saturday, July 6. For more information, follow the Garwin Enrichment League on Facebook.