The Lopez Fireworks organization is now in its 22nd year of providing the fourth of July fireworks to the Lopez community, friends, family and visitors. It is an all volunteer organization which is very unique in the pyrotechnic industry.

One of the ways that the organization raises funds for the purchase of the fireworks is the selling of “Lopez Fireworks” t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. The organization has used a different design and color for the shirts every year. In the early years, the shirts were screen printed on Lopez Island by Wayne Smith, who is also one of the volunteer pyros, and one of the original organizers of this event.

In recent years, the organization has had the shirts screen-printed off island. The last few years Elise Lindborg at Zippy Dogs in Seattle has been in charge of filling the order getting the screen-printing done. “We are sure you will agree that she does a beautiful job,” says Dawn Lease of the Lopez Fireworks Committee.

All of the designs have featured vector (computer) renderings from actual fireworks photos or drawings from local people. The shirts are dated and have become collectors items among the fans of the Lopez Fireworks. Some people boast that they own a shirt for every year.

The color of the shirts is usually different each year, but this year the shirts are deep navy, a repeat from last year. “Have you noticed that some people have black shirts?” said Lease. Black shirts are for committee member. These members work tirelessly, many year-round, to raise money to produce the fireworks display.

This year’s design features a vector (computer) rendering of four photos of Lopez Fireworks. The photographs were taken by Bruce Gregg, Charles Hetrick, and Bruce Lease.

The shirts are available in a variety of styles: a regular t-shirt, sweatshirt, hooded sweatshirt, and ¼ zip sweatshirt. Also available are children’s t-shirts in sizes from X-small to large. “Don’t forget your hat either baseball or bucket, which is great for sunny days,” says Lease. The Chamber of Commerce Office in the Village is the place to get your shirt.” The Chamber is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or call 468-2816.