The Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department and the chamber of commerce brought welcome news to much of the community on March 18, announcing that the annual fireworks display will return to its traditional July 4 date.

Chamber President Sylvia Ettefagh shared the decision with about 20 people during a community meeting at the Nolan Center — plus more who attended by Zoom. The fire department confirmed the update on Facebook the same day, a change from shooting off the fireworks on July 3.

Ettefagh expressed her excitement about the date change for the fireworks and noted that every effort will be made to keep the show on July 4 in the future, though she could not yet guarantee it.

“We’re trying. I think we can do it,” she said.

The meeting served as a push to involve more of the community in pulling together all of the events for the upcoming annual celebration.

The chamber after last year’s Fourth decided to hand over control of most events to the public.

While the chamber will still manage the royalty fundraiser, fireworks, parade and vendor booth organizing, other activities such as games and street contests now depend on community volunteers.

The royalty contestants hold fundraisers, sell food and raffle tickets throughout the month of June, ending with a July 4 prize drawing. It is the chamber's primary annual fundraiser.

The shift in events management came after the chamber found itself overextended by “micromanaging” every detail of the holiday.

Ettefagh reflected on how the celebration has changed over the decades.

“When I first moved to Wrangell, it was 40 years ago,” she said. “And I remember it was all about family time. There were all these events and all this energy. And there was this really strong sense of community. Somewhere along the way, what shifted was how it was presented.”

She noted that the sense of community felt diminished as the chamber took on more responsibility for the entire celebration.

“Now it will be up to the community as to which events take place and how they are run,” she said. “Each event needs a chairperson and sponsors. And if the event doesn’t get what it needs, it won’t happen.”

The chamber is hoping that volunteers step up to take on events by mid-May.

Joan Sargent told attendees that volunteer forms are available and color-coded to identify which events currently have leaders and which are still uncertain. She noted that there are currently eight events that have no chairperson.

“We have the physical forms here, and I can email them to anyone who needs them,” Sargent said. “Keep in mind that if you want to see any particular event, you need to help. And if you know anyone that is chairing an event, please thank them. Because they put a lot of time and energy into it. Thank them and let them know you appreciate them.”

One event that is covered is the logging show, with Tom Roland again in the lead.

“Tom is in the process of forming a nonprofit for the logging show. So that will be taken care of,” Ettefagh said.

This year’s theme celebrates the semi-quincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Anyone interested in chairing or sponsoring an event should email info@wrangellchamber.com.