Pro-Kleen of Augusta has stepped up to the plate with a major donation to the 2008 Fourth of July fireworks show above the City Lake.

Show organizers say this year’s show will feature $9,500 worth of “shells bursting in air.”

There has been discussion over the past month about funding for this year’s show - a lakeside show that evolved from the community’s bicentennial celebration in 1976.

Pro-Kleen is pledging $7,000 for this year’s show. Ignite Augusta has earmarked $1,000 for the public show and another $1,500 is expected from licensing of fireworks stands.

The Fourth of July will also feature a pre-show concert in Garvin Park, below the City Lake, by The Blue & Gray  Brass Brigade.

That concert will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4. It is sponsored by the Augusta Arts Council with support  Global Parts of Augusta and the Kansas Arts Commission.

The Brigade plays traditional American patriotic music in its original form and harmonies.