News Photo by Crystal Nelson Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Alisha Bouchard on Friday sells bracelets at a drive-thru event at the chamber for the annual July 4 fireworks show. A total of $23,000 needs to be raised by May 28 for the fireworks show to occur. Lafarge North America announced Friday it will match every dollar raised for the fireworks show up to $12,000.

ALPENA — Lafarge North America will match every dollar raised for this year’s July 4 fireworks show up to $12,000, the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.

“Lafarge understands the stress of the current pandemic has negatively impacted all of us individually and as a business community,” the company said in a statement shared by the Chamber. “We at Lafarge believe that as proud Americans it is our responsibility to support the community in maintaining patriotic events such as the Alpena Fourth of July fireworks display. Therefore, Lafarge will match dollar for dollar up to $12,000 to cover the costs of this year’s display and encourage all who can to support this special event that has been woven into the fabric of the Alpena community for generations.”

Donations can be mailed to the Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. Chisholm St., Alpena, Michigan, 49707 or online at gofundme.com/f/62nbm-fireworks-fundraiser.

The Alpena Municipal Council earlier this month considered canceling the fireworks show because coronavirus-related restrictions have prevented the Chamber from conducting its usual fundraisers. Instead, the council postponed the decision to give the community time to try to raise the $23,000 necessary to match the 2019 show.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order for Michiganders to stay home unless absolutely necessary is set to expire on May 28, but that could be extended and it’s likely social distancing and other requirements will remain in effect for months.