Paying for the works

Some communities cancel costly fireworks displays, others find a way to carry on in tough times, By Alicia Baldino There’s more to the crackle and beauty of community fireworks on the Fourth of July than most people realize. These extravagant displays, their high-flying sparks visible from miles around, far exceed the cost of backyard firecracker parties. And they are exceedingly dangerous. They must be handled by experts in pyrotechnics and guarded by security teams. So how much does all this cost? And who pays? Many shows are covered by private donations. One of the area’s biggest shows, at Lake Wallenpaupack, Pa., costs $20,000, which comes from fundraising drives. Local businesses, residents, banks, restaurants, and real-estate offices pitch in. The Lighthouse Harbor Marina is one of the biggest contributors, putting $5,000 toward the show. Other major donors are PMVB, which contributes $2,500, and the Lake Region IGA, which contributes $2,500. The tough economy has forced some communities, like Port Jervis, N.Y., to discontinue their fireworks shows because they are so costly. Port Jervis will hold its annual picnic without the show — but there will still be games, a reading of The Declaration of Independence, and a concert by the Tri-State Community Chorus. West Milford, N.J., almost had to cancel its fireworks celebration due to lack of funding. Luckily, the local Police Athletic League has agreed to sponsor the event and help with expenses. Money also comes from spectators, which pay $15 per car, and vendors, which pay $150 each. Municipalities like Greenwood Lake are suffering because of the recession but insist on keeping their popular fireworks celebration. The show is part of the village budget. The village usually reserves $15,000 for the show, but this year appropriated only $5,000. This may put a damper on the show, which is expected to cost $12,000. The Town of Chester paid for its show when it started up again in 2007 but has since moved toward greater dependence on private donations. This year the town was fortunate to get a sponsor, the local Suburban Propane franchise, to cover the entire $11,000 cost. The fireworks show on the ponds in Monroe, N.Y., costs approximately $15,000 to $16,000, which includes the expense of advertising and paying employees. Highway department workers help out. The fireworks alone cost about $10,000. Funding comes from the Village of Monroe, Village of Harriman, Town of Monroe, and Village of Kiryas Joel. The Town of Woodbury, N.Y., spends about $12,000 on its fireworks show every year, and isn’t changing this year. Many local businesses help fund the annual show. Before the show is a 5K run/walk through town to raise money for scholarships and to defray the cost of fireworks. Sparta, N.J., holds its fireworks show at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. Some donations help with costs, but the club covers the rest of the $12,000 expense. Like any concert or festival, Fourth of July fireworks celebrations seem to unfold effortlessly, like a patriotic force of nature. But behind the scenes much effort, planning — and money raising — are needed to make it all happen.