Like flags, bands, picnics, fireworks? Well, then you’ve got to help make it happen. For the second year in a row, Montclair’s July 4th celebration — parade, picnic and fireworks celebration — will be paid for by privately-raised funds, not tax dollars. That includes not just the fireworks, but all the police overtime and any public works parade set-up and clean-up.
The good news is that the $30,000 needed for the whole shebang is almost all raised. The parade and picnic are a sure thing, and fireworks are close. There was $9,000 left after Montclair won $10,000 in Liberty Mutual’s Bring Back the 4th contest last year, says Michael Byrne, a volunteer who serves on the Montclair Celebrates committee — although he cautions that it’s not a good idea to spend a surplus. Follow the event planning here.
Want to help? There are two fundraisers coming up.
Amanti Vino Wine Tasting with Food from Raymond’s
30 Church Street, Montclair
When: Thursday, June 9
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Tickets: $100 – purchase at Amanti Vino or email. Only 30 places altogether, just a few left.
Fun Night at Egan and Sons
118 Walnut Place, Montclair
When: Tuesday, June 14
Time: 6-10 p.m.
No cover or minimum. Special hometown bartenders will be pouring drinks and all bar tips will go to Montclair Celebrates, and Egan’s is donating 10 percent of food tab that night.
Montclair is still hoping to win the Liberty Mutual Bring Back the 4th Contest again. Enter here.
This year’s grand marshall, by the way, is New Jersey Assemblyman Thomas Giblin. The fireworks are again planned for Yogi Berra Stadium, provided that funds are raised and Little Falls approves the event.
So far, says Byrne, $5,000 cash has been raised in private donations and $7,500 has been pledged, in addition to the surplus from last year.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we approached all government this way? Only embark on things for which we have the money in hand?
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if we approached all government this way?”
—”amazing” is a way to describe it…”utter chaos” is another…fortunately, we do not live in ROC’s world yet…
Too bad everyone gets excited about raising money for this, but not the things that make a difference every day like our schools, libraries, etc…
Our taxes should cover this…disgraceful.
Our taxes should cover entertainment at a time when we can’t adequately fund or manage needed governmental services? Hogwash.
No ROC, what is disgraceful is the fact that we got to this point at all. Arguably, as one of the highest taxed communities in the highest taxed state, we shouldn’t have to pass the hat for a 4th of July celebration.
This would be a celebration of everyone’s pride. Alas, Proud to be an American Day has no money.
Well said B.
“it’s not a good idea to spend a surplus.”
Yet that is how we plan to fund the pre-k scholarships. Let’s just hope those youngsters learn a lot more about finance than their elected officials do. Though, it’s not a spending problem!
I think this is a great idea. South Orange had to cancel its fireworks and festivities a couple of years ago because of lack of funds; would be great if they would do something like this. (And I’m not just saying that because my house has a great view of the fireworks!)
No picnic scheduled yet, not enough money. Hey, here’s an idea – how about a potluck?
Why not legalize fireworks in NJ, collect the tax and allow everyone to have their their own 4th of july spectacular this year and use the taxes to fund the following years?