Smaller bursts of fireworks came from spectators awaiting the main show Thursday, July 4, 2024, during the Independence Day display at Wallowa Lake.

WALLOWA LAKE — It was perhaps a record crowd — if anyone actually counted — at the annual Independence Day fireworks show at Wallowa Lake, with cars parked along the highway from well south of the county boat launch all the way to Joseph.

“I’ll bet there were 5,000-6,000 people there,” organizer Gary Bethscheider said Monday. “I’ve never seen that many people before.”

But while the owner of the Stubborn Mule Saloon and Steakhouse in Joseph was impressed with the display and the turnout, public participation left something to be desired on one count.

“I’m totally disappointed in how the public helped out,” he said.

Bethscheider said the $25,000 cost of the fireworks display was only partially offset by contributions from Wallowa County, the city of Joseph and a couple of other donors.

“There were about five or six people or groups who paid for the whole thing,” he said.

He’ll have to pick up the shortfall of about $4,000, he said.

Bethscheider has been spearheading the fireworks fundraising since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused governments to ban gatherings — and to stop funding them — for fear of spreading the disease.

Bethscheider took up the mantle and raised the money for the fireworks himself.

He added that “Shake the Lake” event also provides a big boost to the local economy, with the thousands of people who turn out for the display. This counts locals, visitors, campers, lake-area residents and people who view it from the water in their boats. 

“They don’t even realize how much money gets brought into this county from the fireworks,” he said, from people who go to restaurants, shops and other businesses. “The money the city and county shells out helps the people in this county.”

Bethscheider — who paid an additional $1,200 for the rock band Wicked Mary, which performed before the fireworks show — figures if spectators contributed he’d have more than enough to cover the costs.

He could have volunteers circulating through the crowd collecting donations or locations on site where people could chip in a few dollars. But people just don’t want to contribute, he said.

“If all those people would donate $20, we’d have plenty of money,” Bethscheider said. “If they’re going to show up, they’re going to help. It’s amazing how many people want everything for free anymore.”

He said anyone interested in helping with the $4,000 shortfall can make a donation at the Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank or at the Stubborn Mule.