COVID-19 washed out the fireworks at this year’s Fourth of July celebration.

But a group of determined citizens are trying to raise the funds in time to bring them back.

“This story is about ‘We the People’ coming together during a pandemic,” Beth Hoffman, one of the organizers, said, “not willing to give up our freedoms, independence and liberties.”

They propose to shoot off fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 4 just like every other year in recent memory.

But the similarities end there.

First of all, the effort seeks to crowdfund the cost — a gofundme.com page for the event is seeking to raise $20,000.

“Gibson Enterprises LLC has been hired,” Hoffman said. “The community is coming together to raise the necessary funds to host him.”

“The size of the show is dependent on the funds raised with a goal set of $20,000,” Hoffman said. “The show time length can also be increased depending on funds raised.”

She said the fundraising deadline is July 3 at 6 p.m.

The location is also shifting east on US 6 — from Betts Park to Oakland Cemetery.

Hoffman wanted to thank Ed Peterson and the cemetery board for providing the location and advised that Oakland and St. Joseph cemeteries would be closed from 8 p.m. on July 4 until 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 5.

Those looking to contribute to the effort can do so a couple different ways.

A Facebook page — Fireworks Celebration Warren 2020 — has a link to the gofundme.com page.

Hoffman said people can also contact her at (814) 688-4553 or Renee Chiaravalloti Anthony at (814) 688-7996 — or message them on Facebook — for information about a bank account prepared to accept both individual and corporate donations.

“It’s about joining forces and building strength in our community,” Hoffman said, “celebrating our Nation’s birthday.”