HARRISVILLE — What began as a fireworks show from a resident's backyard, has become an annual event that attracts people from all around.

But the event needs donations this year.

The Harrisville Community Day started more than 30 years ago when business owner Paul Lowers set off fireworks from his backyard.

"You didn't have to be a certified technician then," said Brenda Bole, who chairs the event. "So he just started doing it, and for about five years he did it with money out of his own pocket."

It didn't take long for Lowers to get residents lining borough streets for his fireworks display, and the community decided to turn the show into an annual 4th of July event.

This year's Community Day will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4.

For some years, expenses for the celebration were covered by retired resident Wayne Donnelson. Later the borough began fundraising efforts.

The borough also began to get help from Kellner's Fireworks, a retailer in Wesley. The cost of the show in previous years has been about $5,500.

But now officials are working on collecting donations totaling $7,000.

"We rely heavily on public and business donations," said Bole. "They are what really makes this thing happen."

The Community Day committee has raised about $1,000.

"We really need to get some donations to make our goal," Bole said.

Besides the fireworks display, which is scheduled to start at 10 p.m., Community Day has bands, business vendors and food vendors. Last year the committee initiated the event's first parade.

"I like to make sure there's something there for everyone," Bole said. "It's a great event because it brings people in from all over.

"It brings people from out of town and it brings people back to the town who no longer live here. I love hearing people who aren't from here come up and tell me, 'We love your town.'"

The schedule of events is:

10 a.m. — Volleyball

11 a.m. — Parade with the lineup at the Harrisville fire hall. It will run to the community park.

Noon — Opening ceremony with pet parade to directly follow.

1 p.m. — Bingo, music by Dan Schall, and stick horse races sponsored by the North Washington Rodeo.

2 p.m. — Music by 16 Eyes and Diecast Derby for ages 9 and under.

3 p.m. — A medieval re-enactment.

4 p.m. — The Hanna band and Diecast Derby for ages 10 and up

5 p.m. — Music by Full Circle.

7 p.m. — Music by Brothers and Friends.

9 p.m. — A Chinese auction and 50/50 drawings.

10 p.m. — Fireworks.

Rides, petting zoo and pony rides will be available throughout the day.

Donations may be sent with borough sewer bills or dropped off at the borough building. For information, contact Bole at 724-735-5049.