Fireworks on the 4th of July are a tradition across this country and were a fixture in many local towns for decades. However the financial burden
has become too great for local governments and the number of holiday fireworks displays has dwindled over the years to just a handful here in Ocean County. To take nothing away from towns like Barnegat, Beach Haven, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Point Pleasant Beach and Seaside Heights
what will take place Sunday in Beachwood truly defines America’s birthday and the spirit of volunteerism.
Times may have changed but for the 70th year young and old will gather in Beachwood and towns along the Toms River and culminate the holiday by watching fireworks. Many have planned their day around the spectacular and by dusk tens of thousands will be ready to “ooh and ah” from land and water. Most have no idea who pays for the show and just assume it will take place year after year because that’s the way it’s been. However if you don’t know this is an effort fueled by volunteers and the borough of Beachwood, which coordinates the effort through its Public Works and Police Departments.
It started in the 1930’s and for many years the fireworks were launched by members of the Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company. While they are still on hand to assist Schaefer Pyrotechnics is contracted by the Fireworks Committee to handle the shoot and this takes money….quite a bit of it.
The entire effort is paid for m\by donations and among the corporate sponsors are Comcast, TD Bank and 92.7 WOBM. However just as important are the donations that come in from local residents and businesses and those from people who just enjoy the annual show and want to see it continue. The only way to guarantee that is for the public to support the fundraising necessary…even if half the people who watch the show donated one dollar that would be more than enough to continue this holiday traditionfor years to come. Donations can be made to “Fireworks on the Toms River” and be sent to Beachwood Borough Hall…for more visit wobm.com
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