“It’s all part of the adventure,” said Mike May, referring to the little details that make up the whole show experience. May, chair of the Fireworks Committee at LACA, is the driving force behind the Lake Anna Fireworks Show. His passion and dedication have turned this event into a highlight of the year for the community, bringing joy to thousands who gather by the lake each summer.

May recalls the early days of the show. “In the beginning, we would shoot off one mortar at a time,” he says. Over the years, thanks to generous donations, the show has grown significantly. This year, 1,000 different shots will illuminate the sky in a dazzling 20-minute display, featuring shells ranging from 3 to 8 inches in diameter.

The introduction of 8-inch shells, each the size of a volleyball, marks a new milestone. “We had to get a special electronic device to shoot them off,” May explains, highlighting the technical advancements and increased funding that have elevated the show’s grandeur.

May’s love for fireworks stems from a childhood memory. “Growing up in North Carolina’s Lake Norman, I remember the awe of seeing fireworks over the water,” he reminisces. This experience inspired his lifelong dedication to recreating that magic at Lake Anna. Since purchasing property at the lake in 1995, he has been instrumental in organizing the fireworks show.

This year’s show holds special significance for May. “I’m dedicating this show to my wife, who recently passed away from cancer,” he shares. Kathy May played a crucial role in securing funding for the fireworks. “She came up with a direct mail campaign that helped us raise the initial $11,000 needed for the show,” May recalls. Today, that campaign continues, raising around $40,000 each year to ensure success.

Organizing the fireworks show involves meticulous planning and hard work. “Our crew spends all day setting up,” May says, detailing the efforts of volunteers who help with everything from setting up cannons to managing logistics. With special thanks being mentioned for Ken Sadel, owner of Lake Anna Golf Carts, as being a key player in the efforts.

Jen Bailey

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