WALLOWA LAKE — It was perhaps a record crowd at the annual Independence Day fireworks show at Wallowa Lake.

“I’ll bet there were 5,000 to 6,000 people there,” organizer Gary Bethscheider said. “I’ve never seen that many people before.”

But while the owner of the Stubborn Mule Saloon and Steakhouse in Joseph was impressed with the display and the turnout, public participation left something to be desired on one count.

“I’m totally disappointed in how the public helped out,” he said.

Bethscheider said contributions from Wallowa County, the city of Joseph and a couple of other donors covered most of the $25,000 cost of the fireworks display. He’ll have to pick up the shortfall of about $4,000, he said.

Bethscheider has been spearheading the fireworks fundraising since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic caused governments to ban gatherings — and to stop funding them — for fear of spreading the disease.

Shake the Lake provides a big boost to the local economy, he said, with the thousands of people who turn out for the display. This counts locals, visitors, campers, lake-area residents and people who view it from the water in their boats.

“They don’t even realize how much money gets brought into this county from the fireworks,” he said, from people who go to restaurants, shops and other businesses.

Bethscheider — who paid an additional $1,200 for the rock band Wicked Mary, which performed before the fireworks show — figures if spectators contributed he’d have more than enough to cover the costs.

“If all those people would donate $20, we’d have plenty of money,” Bethscheider said. “If they’re going to show up, they’re going to help. It’s amazing how many people want everything for free anymore.”

Anyone interested in helping with the $4,000 shortfall can make a donation at the Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank or at the Stubborn Mule.