LISBON — When Lisbon first started floating around the idea of bringing fireworks back to the village after 40 years, people wondered if enough interest would be sparked to get the project off the ground when Mayor Pete Wilson brought the proposal to council.

The skeptics need not have worried because the interest took off like a rocket — no pun intended.

“I am absolutely thrilled to report that we have blown our goal of $15,500 out of the water,” said Firework Committee Chair Judy Noel. “Thanks to the success of Sandy and Beaver Insurance Agency’s Breakfast Club fundraiser, we are over $20,000.”

Plans quickly fell into place, some more perfectly than organizers could have predicted.

At first, the village planned to use a company whose dates of July 2, 3, 4 and 5 were booked and unavailable, so an alternative date of June 28 was set. But during a public meeting to discuss the village renewing the tradition of an Independence Day firework display, Colonial Fireworks said its July 3 slot was open.

The cost of the fireworks was quoted at $12,500. The goal of $15,500 was expected to cover additional expenses like bands and portable restrooms. Like Noel said, the committee soared past that goal.

Once the Columbiana County Fairgrounds Board of Directors gave their blessing to use the fairground for the festivities, the committee hit the ground running, the funds were raised and celebration took shape.

“We have a small but mighty team of volunteers who have worked hard to plan a great day for Lisbon,” Noel said. “Since our first meeting in February, we have created a Facebook page, established a bank account, filed for 501(c)(3) status, elected a board of directors and managed to raise the funds needed to provide a great day of fun, food and fireworks for this community.”

The free family-friendly event will take place from 4 p.m. to dusk at the fairgrounds.

“There is absolutely no admission charge. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets and spend the afternoon,” Noel said.

Ten food vendor trailers are scheduled to be set up earlier in the day as are three inflatables and numerous yard games (like sack races and a balloon toss) for the kids — complete with prizes. Noel also mentioned that Bluey and Elsa are planning to join the fun and that the Columbiana County Historical Association Museum of Yester Year will be open.

A cornhole tournament is set to begin at 5 p.m. Tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle are available at local merchants. Bands are scheduled from 4 p.m. until the fireworks, including the Frankie Fordeley Band that reached out to the committee in March and donated their performance. Mike Webb and a local teen band have also been added to the musical lineup. Jeannie Arnoto will perform the Star Spangled Banner.

Food concessions confirmed include K&M Concessions, Lumpy Sunshine, Armida’s Cucina, Richardson French Firis, Molnar’s Concessions, Bartell’s Take Hibachi, The Chill Mill, Higgins Concessions and Beefy Buckaroo.

And of course there’s the sponsors that made the dream a reality.

“We want to thank all volunteers, donors and sponsors who contributed in any way to make this year’s Fireworks Celebration possible,” Noel said. “Anything is possible when we put unity in community.”

Those sponsors include Sandy & Beaver Insurance, the Almost Perfect Foundation, Elkrun Township Tourism Bureau, the Frankie Fordeley Band, J& J Tire and Alignment, Serenity’s Way, Mayor Wilson, American Tool & Cutter, Center Township Tourism, Wendell and Ruth Cole, Ken Everett, Lisbon’s Lion Club, Rogers Mill, Subway, Source Gallery, David and Meliinda Belaney, Paul and Phyllis French, JP Plumbing, Pondi’s, VFW 4111 Auxiliary, Jeff and Donna Vollnogle, Jim and Marsha Landfried, David Lewis and many more.

Noel sees this year as a “test run” but also as the first of many.

“Next year is our nation’s 250th anniversary. Our intention is for 2026 to be bigger and better,” she said. “We don’t expect this year to be perfect but we do expect it to be memorable.”

It’s been 40 years since fireworks last lit up the sky over Lisbon but perhaps the community event is more needed than ever in today’s world.

“Almost everyone to whom I’ve spoken says how happy they are to see the return of fireworks and express the sentimental feelings of childhood memories it stirs within them,” Noel said. “Speaking for myself, I feel like a child waiting for Christmas morning. I’m excited to see people gather for an afternoon filled with old-fashion games and camaraderie. It is my hope that people set aside their differences and forget the outside world for a few hours and enjoy their families and community for an afternoon of relaxing enjoyment.”

Fireworks will begin at dusk. Visit the Facebook page Lisbon Fireworks for more information and details.