Marion skies will be dark for the Fourth of July unless $18,000 is raised to fund the town’s fireworks display before a Friday, June 6 deadline.

Fireworks Committee members Jody Dickerson and Donna Hemphill told board members that $31,000 has been raised so far; however, $48,000 to $50,000 is needed.

“I don’t know if we can do it this year, to be perfectly honest,” said Dickerson, who is also a Selectman and the town’s recreation department director.

Two years ago, Selectmen directed the recreation department to lead fundraising efforts for the town’s long dormant fireworks celebration. Last year was a success and residents gathered on Silvershell Beach to enjoy music and fireworks.

In 2013, Dickerson said the committee had raised roughly the same amount of money, but donations have dropped sharply recently.

“[Donations] have slowed down as of late. This time last year they were still rolling in,” he said.

Funds raised pay for the fireworks, a police detail, a public address system and waste facilities. Dickerson said the cost of the display is fixed and organizers have few options to reduce that amount.

Dickerson and Hemphill sought guidance from the board on how to proceed.

Chair Jon Henry said the committee should forge on.

“I’m willing to continue to march until a drop-dead date,” Henry said.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said he would accept bids from companies to put on the display until June 6. If the town has the money by then the fireworks will be held. Dawson said those companies will be made aware that the contract is contingent upon the money being raised at that time. That will absolve the town of penalty fees if the Fireworks Committee falls short.

The fireworks display is tentatively set to take place on July 5.