With almost $40,000 raised in total, it's darn near official: The fireworks will go off in Onset this summer.

"Fundraising efforts have been incredible. We are incredibly close to our goal," Onset Bay Association President Kat Jones told Selectmen on Tuesday. "A contract has been signed. A deposit has been sent in."

The board approved the use of town roads for the July 1 event. The rain date is July 8.

The happy ending is more than a year in the making.

"A year ago I came to you with a much different story, to the disappointment of the whole community," Jones said.

The disappointment spurred a call to action, numerous fundraising events, and a flurry of donations -- including a sizable one from Wareham resident John Decas, who gave $25,000 to the event, which the association has chosen to spread over five years.

"I'm really proud of the community for stepping forward to help out with this project," said Jones. "I think the community [now] has a better idea of what goes into a project like this."

Jones said she and organizers are planning a full day of activities until the fireworks are lit at 9 p.m. The annual Blessing of the Fleet boat parade will begin at 10 a.m. A band will perform at the Band Shell from 1 to 4 p.m.

"I've been following your fundraising efforts on Facebook," Selectmen Chair Peter Teitelbaum said in praising Jones' work. "They're already legendary."

In thanking Jones and the Onset Bay Association for their efforts, Selectman Judith Whiteside had another idea.

"Would you like us to reserve good weather for you right now?" she asked.

Jones responded in the affirmative.

"I make a motion that it's a medium humidity day with no rain," Whiteside joked. "You can have a couple of clouds, but they must be high up."

In other licensing and permitting news...

• The Selectmen approved the use of town roads for the Bill Sylvia 5K Road Race, scheduled for Saturday, May 27, at 10 a.m. The race begins and ends at St. Anthony's Chapel on Gault Road in West Wareham.
• The board approved the transfer of the liquor license from China Garden, 265 Marion Road, to Ying Dynasty. Aside from the name on the sign and the liquor license, the restaurant has been operating as Ying Dynasty since late last year, after the Mark family sold the property to new owner Ying Zhao.
• The Selectmen OK'd a new "common victualler's" operating license for Cranberry Cottage, located at 246 Marion Road. Chandara Chuon told the board that he and his wife, Sophea, moved to Wareham from Lowell to operate the restaurant. The couple purchased the business from John Coneeny, who retired.