SOUTHWICK – Despite the Rotary Club announcement that they would not be sponsoring Southwick Days this year, two residents in town have decided to embark on a fundraising effort to support one of the most popular events to the tradition-based carnival.
Just a week after the Rotary Club’s decision, Joe Deedy, the Owner of Moolicious Farm, posted on his businesses Facebook Page that he would be supporting this year’s fireworks.
However, it didn’t take long for another member of the community to join forces with Deedy.
Team Justice, a non-profit organization based in Southwick who uses motocross racing to connect with the youth and other individuals throughout Southwick, saw the post from Deedy and there was no hesitation on what to do next.
“I thought this is a great time for the members of Team Justice to get involved with a worthwhile cause to give back to the community,” said Kevin Bishop, President of Team Justice.
Refusing to let an important event in the town just slip away, Deedy and Bishop have fond memories of the fireworks.
“We remember,” said Deedy. “Hopefully most of the town residents remember.”
Bishop describes it as an opportunity for people to reconnect with one another, especially if some individuals are coming back from college or have moved away from the area.
Moolicious Farm and Team Justice have joined forces in order to keep the town fireworks alive. (Photo from Moolicious Farm)
“It’s always a time where a lot of people are coming back to their roots,” said Bishop.
With the fireworks scheduled for July 22 and taking place by American Legion Post 338, Deedy and Bishop have until the day of the event to raise the $11,000 it will cost for the fireworks, police and fire detail, and permits to go along with it.
Moolicious and Team Justice are encouraging businesses and residents in Southwick to donate any amount of money that would go towards raising the $11,000 for fireworks. Checks can be written out to Team Justice, which is a 501.3C, making those who donate eligible for a tax deduction. Checks can be dropped off at Moolicious or mailed to Team Justice Racing, which is located on 31 Gargon Terrace in Southwick.
Deedy also mentioned that both the Southwick Fireman’s Association and Southwick Police Association have already made donations. In the near future on Saturday morning, members of Team Justice will be at Industrial Road, near the transfer station, with informational envelopes about the fireworks and a collection bin for monetary donations.
Although the fireworks are a top priority for Deedy and Bishop, they also noted that there are several other great events going on that same day.
Starting in the morning, the One Call Away Foundation will be hosting a bike ride at Whalley Park. Interested residents will be able to see numerous types of motorcycles, and then several veterans will go on a motorcycle ride. After coming back to Whalley Park, there will be a barbeque dinner.
One Call Away is also having a parade around town and the Wick 338 will be hosting a mud bog event.
While the full Southwick Days isn’t going to be a part of this summer’s festivities in town, Deedy wants to assure the community that the events on July 22 will be as close as it can get to the longstanding tradition.
“Instead of Southwick Days going on this year, it truly will be a “Southwick Day.””
