Beachwood Fireworks

You might remember a time when it seemed like just about every town had some kind of fireworks display on the 4th of July. In most cases it was handled by the town itself but over time what was once a regular occurrence has become a rarity.
The financial burden and responsibility has simply become too great for local governments and one by one towns have ceased shooting off fireworks to celebrate our nation’s birthday. There are still some towns that overcome the obstacles and continue the tradition and WOBM is delighted to be part of what will take place again in Beachwood on Monday.

For the 71st year the borough I call home will host young and old for a truly spectacular fireworks extravaganza. It’s a joint effort between the town, sponsors and donations from residents and others that all add up to make the 4th of July a tradition in Beachwood like no other. Many will plan their entire holiday around being in position to watch the fireworks go off around 9pm. That position could be at Beachwood Beach or anywhere on the Toms River in towns like Ocean Gate, Pine Beach, South Toms River, Toms River and Island Heights. Not to be forgotten is the thousands who will view the show from boats in the river itself.
Most of those doing the “oohing and ahhing” have no idea who pays for the show and unfortunately most don’t care either…they have just come to expect it.
However what will take place Monday is the culmination of a year-long effort fueled by Beachwood officials, volunteers and both the Public Works and Police Departments who do an outstanding job.

I first got involved around fifteen years ago when the late Bill Hornidge, the longtime Mayor of Beachwood established a Fireworks Committee. Bill, who was a “one of a kind” and a real character has since passed on but others have carried on what he started including Hal Morris, Jerry LaCrosse and Bev Clayton.

Of course the bottom line here is money and generous sponsorships from Comcast, TD Bank, Spirits Unlimited and WOBM…along with donations continue to fund the cost of the fireworks. However the only way to guarantee that a tradition that dates back to the 1930’s will continue is for support from the public. So if you are planning to catch the show on Monday send a donation (no matter how small) to
“Fireworks on the Toms River,” 1600 Pinewald Road, Beachwood. For more you can visit wobm.com.