Haines’ Fourth of July fireworks will pack in twice as many pyrotechnics this year thanks to a donation that doubled the budget.

“Haines is a hoppin’ place this year. We’re ramping it up,” said Alita Arendell, who co-chairs the holiday celebration with Garla Rowe for the Friends of Haines.

The nonprofit Friends group raises money all year to put on the fireworks display, sponsor the parade and put on the pit barbecue in the park.

The barbecue this year has been handed over to the North Powder FFA and proceeds will benefit that group.

Every year, the Friends of Haines budgets $10,000 for the fireworks. This year that amount was matched by Todd Hoffman of “Gold Rush,” the reality TV show being made this year in southern Baker County, and Philip Wirth in recognition of Harvest Christian Church and the teachers at Harvest Academy, Arendell said.

The total — $20,000 — enables the group to pay for double the amount of fireworks during the 25-minute show.

“The same amount (of time), just twice as spectacular,” Arendell said.

To buy the fireworks, the Friends of Haines puts on a steak feed and live auction fundraiser in May at the Frontier restaurant.

Arendell said they get additional donations throughout the year from local businesses and residents and those who live out of the area but still have ties to Haines.

In addition to the fireworks, the Friends of Haines has been setting aside some money each year for a community improvement project. Arendell said last year they bought 20 American flags to line the parade route, and this year’s project will be to upgrade the park’s picnic tables with the help of the North Powder FFA.

“We’re just a little group trying to put Haines on the map,” Arendell said.

Donations to the Friends of Haines can be mailed to P.O. Box 121, Haines OR 97833.

The group also welcomes new members. For information, call Arendell at 541-403-2142.

See more in the June 15, 2016, issue of the Baker City Herald.