Fireworks booth lottery win a 'golden ticket' for local organizations

Winning a spot in the Folsom Fire Department's lottery to run a fireworks booth isn't as big a deal as finding a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory … but then again, maybe it is. "This is probably one of our biggest fundraisers of the year in terms of dollars raised," said Nick Veliky, who works a booth for Friends of Folsom. "It's significant. It's probably our main fundraiser for each of these organizations," echoes Bill Hutto with the Rotary Club of Folsom. This year, 14 fireworks booths were allowed to operate in Folsom, in accordance with Municipal Code. There were 40 local organizations that applied to run one of those 14 booths; the winners were picked in a lottery in April. Those selected underwent mandatory training, a booth inspection in late June and finally, permits were issued to sell fireworks from June 28 to July 4 at 9 p.m. Members of the local organizations that were picked in the lottery were beyond excited because money they earn will allow them to continue their much-needed service in the community. The Rotary Club of Folsom has been lucky enough to win a lottery spot many years, though not every year. They were thrilled to be back. "It's a huge fundraiser that funds multiple different projects," said Hutto. "Even smaller community projects, where we might repair a shade structure at a dog park, or a bench along the trail." The Folsom Lake Rotary also has been lucky enough to win a fairly regular spot in the fireworks booth lottery. Paul Andrus has been one of their steady booth volunteers for many years. He said the fireworks fundraisers give local charities opportunities they wouldn't normally have. "It allows us the freedom to go do the stuff we want to do," said Andrus. "Like Christmas for families who need Christmas presents. Or help the Twin Lakes Food Bank." There are also newcomers to the fireworks booth game this year. Resilient Dog Rescue applied to the lottery for the first time and won a spot. Like all dog rescues during the ongoing shelter crisis, Resilient Dog Rescue has struggled, said co-founder Kim Krake. Winning a spot to sell fireworks could be a game changer and allow them to promote their message at the same time. "It seemed like a fundraiser that could be really beneficial for us," said Krake. "And we thought it would potentially be a good opportunity to have a larger-scale fundraiser than some of the smaller ones we do and also be able to spread the word about things we were talking about with microchipping and ways to keep pets safe on the Fourth of July." The commitment and dedication required to run these booths is a huge part of the experience. The booths are all volunteer driven. Many volunteers even took work off this week so they could put in as many hours as needed. Veliky from Friends of Folsom said working at a fireworks stand has been part of his Independence Day tradition for several years. He took work off because this event means so much to him. "It benefits so many charities. It's something that I enjoy doing," said Veliky. "I can't give a lot of time during the year. And I enjoy doing it because I get to spend time with people I don't get to see very much who come through and volunteer and it makes a difference." Krake also took time off this week to work the fireworks stand. She's an internal auditor and her employer is very supportive and understanding of her passion to help shelter dogs. "That is how we do it in rescue anyway. We're all volunteers. There's no paid positions," Krake explained. "So usually, my paid job makes me money to do my unpaid job. Which is like a passion project, right?" If you live in Folsom, you know it's more than likely going to be hot in July, but this week's excessive heat forecast made it especially brutal for sitting in an outdoor booth for hours. Fireworks booths, of course, cannot house electric generators for air conditioners, but volunteers can have battery-operated fans. Most of the booths are strategically set up in shaded areas of parking lots. "Last year, I was out holding a (fireworks) sign on the street corner. I'm not doing that this year," said Andrus, chuckling. "It was 112 degrees and I did an hour and a half out there. This (booth) is in the shade and it's warm, but it's for a good cause. " All volunteers The Folsom Telegraph spoke with said the heat is tough but the overall experience and what it stands for makes it not just tolerable … but even fun. "The heat will be a little bit of a pain for my typical lifestyle but it's a couple days out of the year. I can bite the bullet for that," said AJ Fuentes with the Folsom Fraternal Order of Eagles, which shared a booth with Friends of Folsom. "And knowing what our charities are, they are umbrella charities, both the Eagles and Friends of Folsom, because we can hit so many things underneath, we're not pigeonholed into anything, so we can really spread that wealth around and do a lot for everybody in our community." Community members also got into the action: Fuentes showed The Telegraph a handwritten sign made on cardboard, penned by a child who offered free lemonade to anyone who bought $500 worth of fireworks. "It's hot. The customers are wonderful, the community is wonderful," said Ann Hutto with Folsom Rotary Annes, which is sharing a booth with the Rotary Club of Folsom. "It's a lot of fun. But it is hot." The booth experience can also be a social event. For many volunteers, it's a chance to slow down, talk for hours with friends, as you both sit, sweating in a booth in triple-degree temps. It's the stuff great memories are made of. And if you ask Wendy Burton, who has volunteered in a fireworks booth for so many years she lost count, it's the best part of the holiday. The city of Folsom's version of the "golden ticket." "I look forward to it. The Fourth of July is one of my favorites," said Burton. "I love to come in and look at all the fireworks and pick out which ones I'm going to take home. And it's one of my favorite holidays." Below is a list of local organizations that have fireworks booths this year and their locations: Resilient Dog Rescue 192-196 Blue Ravine Road Folsom Softball Club 715 East Bidwell Street Folsom Vista Youth Football and Cheer (Vista Junior Eagles) 25000 Blue Ravine Road Folsom Youth Basketball Association 2760 East Bidwell Street Mad Dog Wrestling Club 1005 East Bidwell Street Vista Del Lago Music Boosters Inc. 270 Palladio Parkway Folsom Police Canine Officer's Association 850 East Bidwell Street Kiwanis Club of Folsom Lake Foundation 1018 Riley Street Knights of Columbus Council 6197 750 Oak Avenue Parkway Lewis J. Blodget Post No. 362 The American Legion 1840-1880 Prairie City Road Rotary Club of Folsom 25025 Blue Ravine Road Rotary Club of Folsom Lake 9580 Oak Avenue Parkway Victory Life Church 603-697 East Bidwell Street Folsom Aerie No. 929 Fraternal Order of Eagles 404 Blue Ravine Road