Detroit fireworks showcase gets a little funding help from Canadian businesses

A massive display of patriotism, pyrotechnics and binational solidarity will be held tonight as the cities of Windsor, Ont., and Detroit are treated to a massive waterfront fireworks display.

While the Detroit Ford Fireworks extravaganza may be held in Michigan, members of the southern Ontario community are being lauded for a last-minute donation that helped keep the party on track.

It seems borderline-bankrupt Detroit was having trouble financing the annual fireworks showcase. That is, until a group of Canadian businesses stepped up with a cheque to cover the shortage.

The Detroit Ford Fireworks display is scheduled for tonight, barring rain, and should begin shortly after 10 p.m. ET. The massive display includes about 10,000 fireworks in honour of U.S. Independence Day (July 4) and Canada Day (July 1).

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According to the Windsor Star, the cost is $1 million, plus about $300,000 for security in Windsor, Detroit and surrounding municipalities.

But it seems Detroit was coming up a little bit short in covering their costs.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing recently received a CAN$5,200 donation from the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), which will help the U.S. city help pay for security on the U.S. side of the border.

“On behalf of the people of Detroit and this region, I want to thank the people of Windsor and the business owners who made this generous gift possible,” Bing said in a statement. “Our fireworks celebration continues to bring Detroit and Windsor together, and our collaboration continues to makes the partnership between our cities stronger.”

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The annual fireworks display is a big economic driver for both cities. Being held on the riverfront, it is visible from the both Windsor and Detroit. Approximately one million spectators will gather downtown to watch the show.

The cities of Windsor and Detroit are meshed so tightly together that it should come as no surprise that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

It's just nice to see them working so well together. Canada/U.S. solidarity gives us the warm and fuzzies when it comes so naturally. It’s a moment of cross-border friendship that nearly makes us forget ongoing discord over the Peace Bridge border crossing.

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