To the Editor:

This letter is in response to a Letter to the Editor entitled "Proposal of Weekly St. Ignace Fireworks Is Distressing," that appeared in the October 9 issue of The St. Ignace News.

First of all, I would like to commend the Chamber of Commerce for giving thought to the area businesses by proposing a weekly fireworks display. I think it would not only bring people across the Mackinac Bridge, and keep businesses open later, but help bring more business to this failing town.

It has been expressed that the fireworks would be "beyond irritating." However, as a resident of Moran Bay, I have spoken with several friends and business owners, who all agree that it most certainly could not hurt this "charming and attractive" town. If anything, the weekly display would help draw tourists over the bridge. It would be an event not offered by competing cities in the area.

Has anyone ever visited Mackinaw City during the summer? It is packed with families and tourists, and I think that these people would enjoy a night of fireworks. Visitors, tourists, families, and children would certainly enjoy the sight of a weekly fireworks display. In fact, it is only 10 nights out of 365 that this "pointless noise" would be heard. People generally watch fireworks, not listen to them.

Fireworks every weekend after dark is perfect. As of now, St. Ignace closes its doors by nightfall because of a lack of business. As stated before, it would keep businesses open later because there would be potential customers, and an opportunity to hopefully keep businesses running.

Moving out of town over 10 nights of noise is what is truly inappropriate, but that is your prerogative. So I say, "Adios, all you fuddy-duddies," and "Welcome" to the visitors and the families of St. Ignace.

May the summer of 2009 be a much better year to every business owner. Good luck! Dean J. O'Brien St. Ignace