The Bemus Point Business Association has started a GoFundMe account — gofundme.com/f/bemuspointfireworks — to raise money for a fireworks display over Bemus Bay on the Fourth of July. Photos by Hannah Espinosa

BEMUS POINT — Community support is needed to have a Fourth of July fireworks show over Bemus Bay.

The Bemus Point Business Association announced it has started a GoFundMe account – gofundme.com/f/bemuspointfireworks – to raise money for the fireworks display. Kelley Marker, Bemus Point Business Association director, said the goal is to raise $10,000 to match the group’s first fireworks show that was held in 2019. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no fireworks show was held last year.

“We are really excited. We’re coming off a great Memorial Day weekend in the village,” she said. “We want to bring the community together after a difficult year.”

Marker said the fireworks show will only be possible with the generosity of businesses and community members. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $7,000 has been donated.

“Ten thousand dollars is our goal so we can have a show just as great as in 2019,” she said. “We are very excited to be more than halfway to our goal. This shows a lot of community excitement and that people are ready to get back out there.”

Marker said the Bemus Point Business Association is working with village officials on coordinating and organizing the show. She said Lakeside Drive will be closed off during the display so people can bring their lawn chairs to the village and watch the show. Residents and visitors will also be able to enjoy the show from their boats and the docks on Chautauqua Lake.

“Everyone is really excited for this summer,” she said. “It’s going to be a re-energized season for the village.”

In addition to going online, people can also donate by mailing donations to the Bemus Point Business Association, PO Box 113 -Bemus Point, NY 14712. Any excess funds raised will go directly toward future Bemus Point events. For more information, email visitbemuspoint@gmail.com or visit visitbemuspoint.com.