However, it's not the same call many might expect.

While the organizing committee is most certainly amid the process of raising the approximate $40,000 needed to stage the event, they’re also looking for the community’s help on another front.

In fact, it could be said they’re looking for a little help from the “front,” asking community members who have loved ones serving in the military to share photographs of their soldiers, sailors and airmen depicting their lives where ever they’re stationed.

“For several years now we’ve had a video salute to our local men and women in the military, but for the most part it’s just been pictures of them in uniform,” explained Jan Hansen, president of the Fourth of July Foundation.

“This year, though, we’d like to be able to show pictures of our military people that show them on duty or off duty where they're stationed ... to give people an idea of just what they’re doing and what their lives are like,” Hansen explained.

Hansen said the photos can either be e-mailed to Debbye ValVerde at the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or they can drop them by the chamber office at 215 W. Third St.

While the call for military photographs is being delivered, Hansen said monetary donations are still needed to make this year’s July 3 celebration a success.

“The committee has managed to expand the show,making it bigger and better every year and we’re trying to do that this year by adding Vocal Trash as the opening act,” Hansen said. “The crowd has continued to grow over the years, too. So, we’re expecting to have a great overflow audience this year. Hopefully it will be the biggest we’ve ever had.

“I know, it seems like we say that every year,” Hansen added, “but it’s true. Everyone involved begins thinking about how we can make the celebration bigger and better from the minute we wrap things up.”

Donations making the concert and fireworks show possible come from local businesses and individuals, as well as corporate sponsorships. What’s more, they make it possible for the organizing committee to open the gates for all comers free of charge.

“This is the community’s celebration, that’s something we can’t stress too strongly,” Hansen said. “It’s a chance to gather with friends and family at the park and join our neighbors in celebrating the fact that we live in the greatest country on earth.

“But to make that possible, we really need the community’s help in just about every way possible,” she added. “The people and businesses in this community always come through, and we know they will again this year.

“And we need that help us every bit as much this year as we have in the past,” she added. “That’s the only way we’re able to put together a celebration that kicks off a wonderful holiday in Big Spring.”

Presenters of this year’s event already include the Big Spring Herald, Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Big Spring, the Big Spring Symphony and Chorus, KBYG and KBST — each providing donations of $5,000 or more in funding or in-kind services.

For those unable to serve as “Presenters,” Hansen noted that the committee is also seeking support at different levels — “Star and Stripes” sponsors that donate $3,000 or more, and “Rocket” sponsors, donating $1,000 or more. While committee members are conducting their fund-raising efforts, Becky Crane, who co-chairs the organizing committee with Hansen, is again coordinating the list of businesses and organizations wanting to operate vendors’ booths during the show. She can be contacted at 267-5449 or at 517-0373. She can be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Vendor packets are already available at the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce offices.

Those interested in making a donation to the project can do so by contacting ValVerde at the Commerce at 263-7641 or mail them to the chamber office at P.O. Box 1391, Big Spring 79721-1391.

To contact Managing Editor John A. Moseley, call 263-7331, ext. 230, or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it