LISBON — It’s been four decades since Lisbon was home to a Fourth of July fireworks display. This year, not only will fireworks return to the village, but a full-blown Independence Day celebration is in the works.

Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Chair of the Fireworks Committee Judy Noel said “countless” social media posts were made by residents expressing support for a village firework display. A few of the residents turned the talk into action.

“A handful of residents took those posts to heart and are moving forward to make fireworks a reality for the first time in over 40-years,” Noel said. “A day geared toward fun, family and fireworks will begin at 4 p.m at the County Fairgrounds and will end with an exciting firework display at dusk.”

In March, the Columbiana County Fairgrounds Board of Directors gave the village permission to hold the fireworks show at the fairgrounds on July 3 after public meetings were held to discuss the village renewing the tradition of fireworks. Both interest and willingness to support the event were overwhelming.

As the plans unfolded, a bigger event began to take shape with food trucks, games and bands now planned.

“While still in the planning stages, the preliminary steps are well underway,” Noel explained. “The Frankie Fordeley Band has offered to headline an evening of entertainment at no charge. We are working to secure other bands. We plan to have old-fashioned games and inflatables for the children and a limited number of food vendors will be available.”

Admission to this event is free of charge, but in order to make the event possible, the committee is depending on donations.

“This event is not funded by a government entity, absolutely no public funds are involved,” Noel said. “It is funded solely by private donations.and we need $15,000 to pull it off.”

The Lisbon Fireworks Committee now has its own Facebook page. Donation information and regular updates can be found on the page. Questions can also be emailed to lisbonfireworks@gmail.com.

Donations may be sent to Lisbon Fireworks, P.O. Box 8, Lisbon, Ohio 44432; payable to Lisbon Fireworks Fund.

The Lisbon Fireworks Committee will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. on at the Chamber of Commerce Building at 120 N. Market St. Anyone wishing to volunteer is invited.