For years families have come together to share picnic blankets, listen to lively music and celebrate Independence Day with Lakeland’s Red, White and Kaboom Fireworks Show and accompanying festival atmosphere. In 2009 the economic downturn found the event without a major sponsor and the city commission had no choice but to call the show off for lack of partnership funding. The day the event was canceled, Tom Mims called the City of Lakeland and told them to keep moving forward with the plans for the celebration. He and his wife, Paula, could not bear to let the festivities die, particularly at a time when so many needed free, fun outdoor activities. Tom and Paula, long supporters of community events, wanted to continue the tradition of families coming together to celebrate our nation’s history and also show support to our troops and their families. “We love our country and our community and wanted a time for families to come together and celebrate,” remembers Tom Mims.