BEACHWOOD – Everyone knows that one of the best fireworks shows around is over the Toms River. But few people realize that it’s actually put on by the little borough of Beachwood.
The fireworks are run by the town, but not paid for by taxpayer dollars. It is funded entirely by donations, and donations are not as strong as they used to be, said Councilwoman Beverly Clayton, who chairs the event.
The show is in its 78th year, so people are used to it being a mainstay. However, donations are down this year, and they were down last year, too.
“We’re down almost $10,000 from last year,” she said. This is a significant amount, since this year’s show will be in the ballpark of about $17,000-$18,000. “If the donations stop, so does the show.”
While they seek larger sponsors, small donations would go a long way. If everyone who went to see them sent just a dollar, or $5 per family, it would go a long way.
“We’re very grateful to South Toms River,” a neighboring community that donates to the fund, she said.
This year, the show will start at dusk on July 4. The rain date is July 5.
There’s a new fireworks vendor this year. The company is called Fireworks Extravaganza, an award-winning company out of Rochelle Park, New Jersey.
To support the fireworks, checks of any denomination can be sent to Beachwood Fireworks, 1600 Pinewald Rd., Beachwood, NJ 08722. Checks can be dropped off at any municipal building.
