SOUTHWICK – The fun-filled four day event in Southwick is what brings a majority of the Southwick community together. As Southwick Days ran from July 22 thru July 25, this year’s festivities may have concluded, but the look back on the outcome is also important.
“All in all, it was a good event,” said Rotary Club Fundraising Chairman Bob Fox. “Everybody had a great time.”
During the opening night on Thursday, the carnival rides started up. As the carnival rides have been known to start on Friday and go through Sunday, this year the carnival aspect to Southwick Days started on Thursday and ended on Saturday.
Southwick Days was successful once again this year. (Westfield News File Photo)
With the fireworks on Friday and the parade on Saturday, the carnival is able to capitalize on those two events.
Since the fireworks are an important part of Southwick Days, having a successful outcome is important to the Rotary Club.
“We try to raise enough money to pay for most of next year’s fireworks,” said Rotary Club member Joe Deedy. “That’s the whole key for us.”
Both Deedy and Fox stated that the estimated cost for the fireworks this year was around $9,000. With the many expenses the Rotary Club incurs for Southwick Days every year, this year the predicted cost in total could be at $17,000.
Although the exact numbers are not expected to be ready for another couple of weeks, Fox and Deedy already know what the current plan will be moving forward for the Rotary Club.
“What we’re trying to do now at this particular point, is to raise enough money so we can start it again next year,” said Fox.
Knowing that the focus is moving forward with the money for next year, looking back on the wonderful memories of this year is still fresh in people’s minds.
On Sunday, the final day of Southwick Days, there were helicopter rides as well as motorcycle rides. The One Call Away Foundation provided motorcycle rides as well and meal as the foundation is focused on helping those with PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). Danny Scibelli, the owner of Scibelli’s Mobil in town, provided helicopter rides, including a black hawk
“That black hawk landing was about as impressive as you could possibly get with that thing,” said Fox.
Working behind the scenes on logistics for Southwick Days are Bob Fox, David Sutton, and Ellen Miles. (Westfield News File Photo)
Other fun events included the Barbeque Competition in which competitors were judged on best beef, chicken, pork, and chili. Fox also discussed how the car show was successful with the warm weather attracting many spectators as well as several different cars being displayed.
The many donations that the Rotary Club received was another positive to this year. The Lions Club, Friends of the library, Senior Center, Friends of the Rail Trail, Cultural Council, and Parks and Recreation are just a few of the several committees in town that contributed this year.
“The theory is it’s all about memories,” said Deedy. “We love the tradition.”
