With both state parks having funds cut for activities, other organizations have resorted to saving their favorite events by themselves.

Rough River Recreational Supervisor Sheila Jones explained the budget cut was made across the board for all state parks.

“The state pulled funding for fireworks across the board,” Jones said. “We found out in February or April that the funds had been cut. With employees being laid off and the cutting of hours, we knew it was coming. It is just a sign of the times.”

That is when Rough River Business and Tourism, and Friends of the Nolin, decided to help out with fundraising events and donations to keep Rumble over Rough River and Nolinfest fully operational.

According to Jones, it costs about $10,000 to make the fireworks celebration happen every year for the area. Cathy and Charlie Corbett will be in charge of the 2009 event.

One of the major changes this year will be the removal of a live band for a Deejay.

“The July fourth celebration-fireworks show will be bigger and better than ever,” Jones explained. “We will have activities going on all weekend long.”

Anyone interested in donating to the cause can contact the Corbetts by phone at 270-257-0605.

Friends of the Nolin member Chris Boggs said, depending on how much funds are raised up until August 8 (Nolinfest), will determine if the fireworks will take place or not.

“If we can raise enough money then we will have the fireworks that night,” Boggs mentioned. “The show costs $3,200. All the events we are working on right now are raising money for it. All events going on right now are free of charge. If people want to come out and donate that is fine, but if not, still just come out.”

The group is still developing a final list of activities for Nolinfest. Volunteers with the Anneta Fire Department provide the food. The cornhole tournament will take place on that day, as well as kiddy games, a car show, an antique tractor drive, various craft vendors will have items for sale and karaoke provided by Santa’s Secret Hands.

Several community groups combined in January of this year to form Friends of the Nolin. The group’s main purpose is to increase visitors and bring more people in to the lake.