A Lions Club past president is trying to ignite an explosion of contributions to this summer’s Windjammer Days and Fourth of July firework shows. The Lions Club hopes to collect nearly $12,000 from individuals and businesses during the next seven to 10 days to fully fund both shows.

Each 40-minute display costs about $10,000. The Fireworks Fund received contributions this year from Boothbay, $5,000; Boothbay Harbor, $4,800; and Southport, $1,500. The remaining contributions will all come from private sources, according to Boothbay resident Tom Nickerson, a Lions Club past president.

“The towns have done their part and now it’s up to the people to provide the rest,” he said.

Lions Club members are soliciting donations from individuals and businesses hoping to reach the $12,000 goal. The Lions Club has also challenged the Rotary to match its fundraising efforts.

Nickerson received a call earlier this month seeking his experience raising funds. In the past, he’s served as chairman for the Boothbay New Fire Station Fundraising and Light It Up committees.

“I asked the Lions Club to become involved and they said yes. But now we all have to go out and solicit the public so we can all enjoy two wonderful fireworks shows,” he said.

Nickerson believes the two shows provide an important service to the community. Large crowds descend upon downtown Boothbay Harbor twice a year to see the fireworks shot from a barge in the outer harbor. He believes the two shows bring the community closer together by giving people something they can all “ooh” and “ahh” over.

“It’s a beautiful sight watching the fireworks reflect off the boats in the harbor and hearing all the boat horns blaring at the same time. It’s really an amazing experience,” he said.

The public can make donations at the Boothbay Harbor Town Office. The average cost of a fireworks shell is $9, according to Nickerson. He encourages people to make donations in memory of a loved one or in appreciation of a son, daughter or grandchildren.

The Lions Club hopes to reach its fundraising goal by June 22. The Winderjammer fireworks show is Wednesday, June 29. The Independence Day show is on Monday, July 4.