Bring the spark back to downtown Fairbanks on the darkest day of the year by sponsoring a spectacular fireworks show on winter solstice
Winter solstice is on December 21st, and it's the darkest day of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. Solstices (both summer and winter) are a particularly big deal to Alaskans, because of the dramatic difference in light and warmth that comes with each. What's that other holiday in December? Never mind, we were too busy celebrating the return of the SUN.
Each year, downtown Fairbanks hosts a community celebration for winter solstice. In the past, the Winter Solstice Festival has included a big fireworks show hosted by the Downtown Association of Fairbanks on the bank of the Chena River. Last year, the show was cancelled due to budgetary constraints and in order to try out some new ideas.
We heard from many of you who were bummed that the show didn't take place, and were looking forward to bringing your families and friends to watch the fireworks like you had in years past. This year, we wanted to find a way for you to help us bring the fireworks back for winter solstice in Fairbanks. And this is it!
We need $1,000 from Fairbanksans and Kickstarter donors to bring back the fireworks for a spectacular grand finale of the 2012 Winter Solstice Festival, and are offering a series of fabulous rewards for your trouble! We will honor your donations with spectacular seating and viewing opportunities during the show, so that you can experience it with your family like never before. Holiday carols, sparklers, hot drinks, and an all-inclusive dining and lodging package are all up for grabs. You can even score a custom glow stick to wave around on the night of the show, or at your next rave.
Matt of Fire Art Pyrotechnics has offered us a great deal on a fireworks show, and will be matching your donations with in-kind sponsorship. Alyeska Pipeline has also contributed to help us advertise and fund the fireworks, because they love community events and the excitement that this show brings to town.
We know that the magic of downtown fireworks was sorely missed last year, and hope that we can bring it back for the 2012 Winter Solstice Festival, with your help. You can find more details about the Downtown Association of Fairbanks on Facebook, Twitter, and at downtownfairbanks.com. Or follow solstice news on Twitter and Instagram at #21daysofsolstice. We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for your support, and we can't wait to get started on this year's fireworks show!
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The logistics of a fireworks show are best left to the professionals, and we trust the explosive expertise of Fire Art Pyrotechnics. We have worked with Matt and his company for years to pull off a solstice show, and are confident in his ability to deliver an impressive and awe-inspiring show against all odds. Matt always commits himself fully to this community show, and loves doing it in downtown Fairbanks as much as we love hosting him and the Fire Art crew.
As a member-based business organization, the Downtown Association has close working relationships with all businesses mentioned or listed, and from which we may require cooperation in order to deliver your rewards. Should we run into unexpected troubles or come across private reservations that trump our efforts to get you close to the heat (it is the holidays, after all), we promise to find a suitable and comparable viewing point/party location/coffee shop as a substitute.
Also, it might be very, very cold on the night of the show. Like, -40 below zero (or worse). This has happened before during the Winter Solstice Festival, and we know that it can be hard to convince yourself (or others) to get out of the house at these temperatures. However, we promise to proceed with the show even in the case of extreme low temperatures, and will encourage Fairbanksans to bundle up in their warmest mittens, snow boots, and hats to celebrate with us. We will have warm locations from which you can watch the show, even if you do not donate to this project.
FAQ
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24
Backers
$1,475
pledged of $1,000 goal
0
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Funding period
Nov 30, 2012 -
Dec 21, 2012
- 2 created · 1 backed
- Amy Nordrum 608 friends
- Website: downtownfairbanks.com
Pledge $10 or more
2 backers
You will receive a personalized invitation in the mail to the fireworks show. PLUS you'll get a sparkler for you and a friend, to wave around and create magical streaks in the sky on winter solstice!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $5 to ship outside the USPledge $25 or more
4 backers
You will receive a personalized invitation in the mail to the fireworks show. PLUS you'll get a sparkler for you and a friend to create magical streaks in the sky. AND you'll receive a custom glow stick to illuminate your path on the night of the fireworks show (and/or to use at your next rave).
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $5 to ship outside the USPledge $50 or more
3 backers Limited (7 of 10 left)
You'll be able to watch the spectacular fireworks show from the warmth of The Fudge Pot in downtown Fairbanks, where we will reserve a window seat (literally- with your name on it!) for the night of the show. This is a prime viewing spot, and it's next to impossible to get a seat there on solstice unless you plan ahead. PLUS You may choose the carol of your choice, which will be performed by the solstice carolers in the Co-Op Plaza during the downtown solstice celebration on that same night.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $75 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
You and your family will be able to enjoy the magic of the fireworks show from a prime viewing spot reserved in your name on the William Ransom Wood Centennial Bridge with the hot drink of your choice from the Fudge Pot. PLUS we'll snap a Polaroid of you and your friends or family during the show as a memento. The only thing cooler than fireworks is fireworks IN A POLAROID.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $100 or more
7 backers Limited (8 of 15 left)
You'll enjoy access to a VIP viewing party for you and your family or friends in a prime downtown location (think rooftops but warmer) for the best view of the fireworks. This is your chance to enjoy the winter solstice fireworks like never before, and it's a memory that will last long after the show has ended. PLUS you'll receive a Polaroid with the Nutcracker to commemorate this special night!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
For your generous donation, you'll be the lucky one who gets to help Matt at Fire Art Pyrotechnics (our fabulous fireworks guy!) to set off the fireworks! A true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you'll get up close and personal with these powerful explosives and use an old-fashioned dynamite plunger to start the show from the very first shell fired high into the night sky. Matt will walk you through it, and you'll be the star of the night!.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
For donating our full project amount, you'll receive a package for a special night out on winter solstice to enjoy not only the fabulous fireworks show, but also the top-notch dining and lodging available in downtown Fairbanks. You'll earn dinner for two at Lavelle's Bistro, an overnight stay at the SpringHill Suites Marriott, and access to the VIP viewing party. PLUS we'll present you with your very own nutcracker, to place on your mantel as a souvenir of your awesome night!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
