Lancaster's most explosive New Year's Eve tradition will continue after all.

The fireworks display, the culmination of Countdown Lancaster for the last 14 years, was canceled earlier this year as a result of economic woes.

But after a Dec. 13 Sunday News article about the fizzled fireworks, three people donated a total of $13,000 to light up Lancaster's sky and ring in 2010.

"A couple of people in the community really stepped up," said Jill Diller, Lancaster Recreation Commission special events director. "I was really very excited."

One mystery donor would not provide his name, but will deliver a $7,000 cashier's check to remain anonymous, Diller said.

Brothers Patrick Egan, of Select Security, and Peter Egan, of Caldwell, Heckles and Egan Builders, each shelled out $3,000 on behalf of their companies which are both in Lancaster.

"I read the article and I immediately picked up the phone and I called my brother and said, 'Well, that's not gonna happen,' " Patrick said. "And I said, 'You're in for half, right?' "

He said his brother immediately agreed.

"We're supporters of Lancaster and when the city can't do it, everybody has to pitch in and help," Peter said.

"We felt it was important to keep the tradition alive," Patrick said. "We've been blessed that both our businesses have been strong, so we need to share those blessings with our neighbors."

The donations were half the battle, Diller said.

Making arrangements for the 10-minute display on short notice was a difficult feat, she said.

But extra firefighters and police were corralled, street closings arranged, and the fireworks company hired within a week.

"The cooperation of the fire department has helped us," Patrick said. "[Lancaster City Fire Chief Tim Gregg] scrambled and he's got enough people on duty, plus those who have offered to work who had off for the holiday."

The same goes for city police, Diller said.

North Duke Street between Orange and Walnut streets will be closed to accommodate the fireworks. Chestnut Street between Queen and Duke streets will also be closed.

Fireworks will be set off from the roof of the Duke Street parking garage. Fireworks Productions, of White Hall, Md., will put on the show, as it has for years.

"Probably the best place to watch is from Binns Park or its vicinity. They won't be as long or as high as they are on the Fourth of July," Diller said.

Countdown Lancaster is organized by the Lancaster Recreation Commission, which describes the event as "a family-oriented, non-alcoholic night of visual and performing entertainment."

Twenty indoor sites host performers and activities. One admission button allows access to all performances during the New Year's Eve celebration. (For a complete list of Countdown goings-on, visit lancasterrec.org.)

Admission is $10 for adults in advance ($12 at the gate) and $5 for kids, ages 4 to 12. Free rides on school buses will transport people between venues. Free noisemakers and $5 parking in the Prince Street and Penn Square garages will be offered.

Volunteers are still needed. They are asked to work for 2 hours and 15 minutes in exchange for a free button. To volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Jen Poorman at 392-2115, ext. 121.

Buttons are available for sale at Turkey Hill stores, Darrenkamp's Market and Wachovia Bank branches.

"I'll be perched on my [business] roof at 241 N. Plum," Patrick Egan said.