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July 4th blast shapes up

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: June 17, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - It's a big deal.

That's how Temple Terrace chamber director Cheri Donohue describes the significance of having The Florida Wind Band precede the Fourth of July fireworks display.

The band will perform for free from 8 to 9 p.m.

"They are all professionals and they come from all over," she said. "Normally they charge $25,000 plus, plus."

Considered the only professional wind band in the state, it was formed in 2008 by John Carmichael, director of bands at the University of South Florida. He has served on the National Band Association board of directors and is the immediate past president of the Southern Division College Band Directors National Association.

"This is a tremendous donation on their part," Donohue said.

She was also delighted to know that the Tampa Bay Children's Chorus will perform for free on the first tee of the Temple Terrace Country Club golf course. The chorus will sing medley of patriotic songs.

Free public parking will available at Terrace Plaza, just south of Bullard Parkway.

The chamber has partnered with the city this year to sponsor the holiday parade and fireworks. In past years the $20,000 price tag attached to the events was paid by the city. But, in light of major budget cuts and the possibility the longtime tradition might be scrapped, Donahue offered to run a campaign to get corporate and private contributions to save the day.

The city will absorb the cost of having its fire, police, public works and leisure services employees on duty. But the donations will pay the remaining expenses.

"This is something our residents associate with the holiday in Temple Terrace," Donahue said. "This is what makes us and it's what identifies us."

The chamber has collected nearly $13,000 so far.

"We're getting a lot of $5, $10 and $100 donations. We've even had kids come in with donations," she said.

The first 200 donors with contributions of $100 are eligible to receive a 3-by-5-foot American flag, along with a 6-foot pole. Each $100 contributor also will receive a yard sign stating, "I Helped Light Up the Sky."

Those wanting to make a donation may stop by the chamber's office, which on the first floor of the Bank of America building, 9385 N. 56th St.

Terry Neal, president of the Temple Crest Civic Association persuaded the organization to donate $100 even though the community north of the Hillsborough River and west of 56th Street is just outside the city's boundary.

Pete Johnson is hosting a barbecue chicken lunch on July 4 also to raise money to help pay for the holiday events.

"We want to help keep the tradition alive," said Johnson, who is in need of volunteers to help out. "Don't worry, you won't miss the parade. This event is on the route."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Barbecue chicken lunch

WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4

WHERE: 301 Druid Hills Road, Temple Terrace

COST: $5 per person includes a chicken leg or thigh, baked beans, corn on the cob and a roll. Call (813) 980-3291 for advance tickets or knock on the door.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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