Sandwiches to support fireworks

OAK HARBOR — Amid rising costs everywhere, the Oak Harbor Lions Club is stepping up to support downtown fireworks in Oak Harbor with a Parking Lot Sandwich Sale fundraiser featuring its locally famous sausage and sirloin sandwiches. People can purchase and pick them up from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 13 and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at Oak Harbor Hardware's Mill Street parking lot. All proceeds will benefit the 2022 July 4th fireworks display. A second sale is slated for June 3 and 4. "Community is important to us, and the fireworks are important to our community," said ShirLee Eberle, a representative of the Oak Harbor Lions Club. "The Oak Harbor Lions felt it was a good cause for which to donate our profits from our May and June sandwich sales." Earlier this year, the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce announced that fireworks costs had increased by approximately 30% due to supply chain complications, and the village is now striving to overcome nearly $5,000 in estimated, additional expenses for its Independence Day Celebration. "I am so thankful to the Lions Club for stepping up to support our community fireworks," Oak Harbor Mayor Quinton Babcock said. "The Independence Day Celebration means so much to the village." Predominately a product of Chinese manufacturers, fireworks compete for limited space on cargo ships. Staffing shortages in the shipping and trucking industries as well as factory shutdowns have contributed to product delays and cost increases for both fireworks production companies and backyard consumers. The chamber is committed to continuing our annual tradition of having the area's best fireworks. Amid inflation and supply chain issues, we really need everyone's help. We are nearly halfway to our fundraising goal and feeling confident we can get there with everyone's support." In addition to buying a Lions Club sandwich, community members wishing to support the fireworks fund may buy a $15 dinner ticket to attend the reverse raffle on Saturday, May 14. The dinner will include raffles and other games with prizes. Supporters may also purchase paper stars sold at Oak Harbor's Community Markets and Sunoco from Memorial Day weekend through June. Monetary donations may be dropped off or mailed to the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 161 W. Water Street, Oak Harbor, OH 43449. People with questions can contact Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-898-0479.