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Local veterans’ groups light up Gustine with fireworks fundraiser
vfw booth
The fireworks booth set up in front of Gustine High School by local veterans’ groups stands ready for the holiday rush, offering safe and sane fireworks to raise funds for scholarships, youth programs, and veteran support services. - photo by Photo Contributed

GUSTINE — With a burst of color and community spirit, local veterans groups are hosting their biggest fundraiser of the year: a safe and sane fireworks stand set up in front of Gustine High School.

The annual stand, run by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph G. Rose Post 7635 with help from the American Legion Manuel M. Lopes Post 240 and the auxiliaries of both organizations, is more than just a Fourth of July tradition — it’s a vital support system for scholarships, flag programs, youth sports and veterans' services across the region.

“We all get together for this one,” said VFW Commander Mel Soares. “We hope to see a lot of people coming down and supporting us.”

Proceeds from the stand go directly toward educational scholarships for local students, the community flag program, support for Little League teams, and veteran outreach initiatives.

The fireworks stand is open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. leading up to the Fourth of July. On July 4, it will open early at 10 a.m. and remain open until 10 p.m.

Soares hinted at special deals throughout the week and encouraged residents to stop by, say hello, and help support the community causes at the heart of the effort.