GUILFORD – It was February when Adrian Price first heard the news – Guilford's glorious July fireworks display, a patriotic summertime staple enjoyed by thousands, was getting the ax.

"At first, I was in complete disbelief," recalls Adrian. "Then, I just got angry. How do you cut the fireworks in this climate, when we've got people fighting overseas and dying?"

The Guilford Parks and Recreation-sponsored fireworks program is free for residents but costs $10,000 annually.

After it was cut from the budget, "…we needed $10,000. We had nothing," says Parks and Recreation Director Rick Maynard.

Back in February, Adrian had never met Maynard and had never before led a grassroots effort such as the one he was about to embark upon. But he says there was no question in his mind he was going to contact whoever was in charge, and then offer lead the charge, to raise the needed funding.

"I immediately sent an email to Rick Maynard saying some how, some way; I'm going to raise $10,000."

Check out the June 23 issue of the Guilford Courier for the full story!