Beachwood Fireworks

(This Hometown View originally was broadcast on Thursday, July 3)

Fireworks on the 4th of July are as American as baseball, apple pie and red, white and blue…they are a tradition across this country. While there may be bigger and more extravagant shows few can match the effort put on by the Borough of Beachwood with help from surrounding communities. Tomorrow night at 9pm for the 68th time local residents and visitors will end America’s birthday with a fireworks display viewed by tens of thousands, many who plan their holiday around a true tradition which comes together because of the efforts of many.Of course times have changed and the method in which the fireworks are shot is a bit different than it used to be. For many years they were launched by members of the Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company and while they are on hand to assist, the shoot is done by a fireworks company. That of course takes money…quite a bit of it and it’s all from donations from the business community and residents. The late Mayor Bill Hornidge was the spark behind getting businesses involved and this year’s list of corporate sponsors includes COMCAST, Commerce Bank, Spirits Unlimited, Exelon, operators of the Oyster Creek Generating Station and 92.7 WOBM and Millennium Radio. We are delighted to not only help make the Fireworks show possible but provide a patriotic music simulcast. We’ll be at Beachwood Beach where thousands will gather to watch the show as will others in Pine Beach, Island Heights, Toms River, Ocean Gate, Berkeley and South Toms River. If the weather cooperates the river itself will be packed with boats as this might be the best place to watch the sky light up.Obviously there are other places to watch Fireworks on the 4th of July and many visitors to the area will flock to Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach for their shows. But the one in Beachwood is somewhat unique in that in today’s age a relatively small community is able to pull together and put on what is a big show. Much of the credit goes to the Police Department, Public Works Department and volunteers from the Fire Company and First Aid Squads to insure a safe event. With that in mind people should be aware of the parking restrictions that will be in effect, especially from the river area to Route 9. Finally if you watch the Fireworks and would like to see this tradition continue then please make a donation of any kind to “Fireworks on the Toms River-Beachwood”, c/o Beachwood Borough Hall, 1600 Pinewald Road.