Former Redskin kicker and National Football Hall of Famer Mark Moseley headed to Jefferson County this week to help with a fundraising event for the upcoming Independence Day celebration at Sam Michael’s Park.

Moseley, who owns the local Five Guys restaurant in Ranson, was on hand for a “Spirit Night” to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans. All donations raised at the event will go toward funding the July 5 fireworks event. In addition, the restaurant will donate a portion of sales from the evening to help fund the nearly $23,000 event.

Many who came out to enjoy dinner did so with the purpose of meeting Moseley. They were not disappointed as the former pro star chatted, signed and posed for many. Children and adults alike were thrilled to try on Moseley’s “Super Bowl” ring and have an opportunity to share stories of watching the team.

One fan, Michael Gore, brought his two young sons to meet the football legend. Gore shared that his parents, Jeanne and Jim Gore, of Ranson, are total Redskin fans. The couple, however, who have faced some recent health issues, were unable to join in the event at Five Guys. The tale struck a chord with Moseley, who traveled to the couple’s home in Ranson late Tuesday evening to surprise them with a visit.

A shriek of delight could be heard as Moseley rounded the corner and was seen by Jeanne Gore.

“We used to travel to Carlisle (Pennsylvania) to watch the Redskins practice,” she said. Both she and her husband were thrilled to have Moseley take a few moments to stop at their home.

The Independence Day event Moseley supported Tuesday is the annual celebration held at Sam Michael’s Park each July. The event, which draws between 8,000 and 10,000 each year, was nearly lost this year when the coffers of Jefferson County saw a huge deficit. The county’s funding of the project was cut from the budget, leaving the committee of individuals who work to fund the show each year struggling to recoup.

“The cut of $8,000 was significant,” said Jimmy Pierson, co-chair of the committee. “We have held fundraisers, boot drives and a dinner to help raise the funds. We are still working on it,” he said.

The event will go on as scheduled despite the financial set back. The Cities of Ranson, Charles Town and Bolivar have all contributed to the event as have many local businesses. While the need still continues to ensure that all expenses are met, the skies will light up with a spectacular show July 5.

The show is presented by Digital Lightning, a pyrotechnic company from Gaithersburg, Maryland, who has done the local show since 2006.

Anyone who wishes to contribute financially to the success of the show may do so by sending a tax deductible donation to the Jefferson County Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 586, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. For more information, call 304-702-3026

Gates at the event, which will feature local vendors and business as well as food vendors and live entertainment, will open at 2 p.m. July 5. There is no admission to enter the park and enjoy the festivities although donations will be welcome.