The Annual Southwick Fireworks. is July 20. (WNG File Photo)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Civic Fund will host a public fireworks display July 20, but donations are still needed to celebrate the summer with a bang.
Organizer Elizabeth Deedy said the fireworks cost around $10,000, depending on the selection. The group hopes to raise $12,000 for this year’s celebration, which includes activities at Whalley Park.
“Fireworks themselves cost anywhere from $9,000 to $10,000 depending on what we pick out for the display. The remaining monies is for police to handle traffic and safety, bounce house rental, portapottys & insurance,” said Deedy.
Although the Southwick Civic Fund has taken the lead on the event for the third consecutive year, it’s still an effort of the town.
“The Volunteer Fire Department donates a majority of their time for our fireworks, which definitely helps keep the cost low, especially for our bonfire,” Deedy said. “The purchase and execution of our fireworks display takes up the brunt of our donations.”
The group still needs around $4,800 to host the caliber of event they have planned.
“This event is entirely payed for by the donations we receive,” said Deedy. “We have a donation bin set up at Moolicious Farm, and people interested in donating can also mail a check to Southwick Civic Fund, or donate via our PayPal.”
Elizabeth Deedy and Corey LeClair collect donations for the Southwick Fireworks at the town transfer station. Donations are still needed for the July 20 event. (Hope E. Tremblay Photo)
Deedy said the annual event is a long-standing tradition that began in 1948 with the Fireman’s Carnival.
“The support and excitement that this event brings, shows that hometown pride that everyone expects out of a town like ours,” she said. “I like to think we put on a pretty large display of fireworks for our community and to be honest, the first year we signed up to host this, I didn’t think it was do-able. But every year I am more surprised by the support, excitement, and turnout.”
Deedy thanked the “small but very efficient” group of directors and their familes for the time spent on this and many other events for Southwick and the surrounding communities.
“Each and every one of us will be there July 20 working hard to make sure people have a great time on our fireworks night,” she said.
Food trucks, music and fun activities start at 6 p.m. with fireworks display once it’s dark.
“Make sure to come early to get a good spot at Whalley Park,” said Deedy.
