SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Civic Fund is getting an early start on fundraising for the 2018 fireworks. This year’s fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 21 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion near the motocross track.
“I don’t think we’ve ever come out this early with a date,” said Southwick Civic Fund President Joe Deedy. “We’ll have a longer time to raise it.”
Deedy, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Select Board, added that Southwick Town Hall will start getting phone calls every couple of weeks from people asking when the fireworks are so they can plan their parties around the fireworks.
This year, Deedy is looking to get a couple of bands to play music prior to the fireworks being set off. Adding some small carnival games for kids may be a possibility as well.
A view of the Southwick Fireworks in the past years at Whalley Park. (WNG File Photo).
The Southwick Civic Fund is looking to raise $12,000 as the fireworks will cost around $9,000 and the extra $3,000 could be used for hiring police and fire personnel, and any other added expenses that may come along.
In the weeks prior to the fireworks, volunteers from Team Justice will be at the town transfer station with their buckets asking for donations. A non-profit organization in the community, Team Justice will be assisting the Southwick Civic Fund with anything that they may need.
For anyone that is looking to donate to this year’s fireworks, you can do so by making a check out to the Southwick Civic Fund and writing “fireworks” in the memo. People can also follow the Southwick Civic Fund Facebook page for any updates leading up to the fireworks.
A tradition in town for more than 50 years, Deedy is encouraging the community to help make the town fireworks stronger than ever.
“I think it’s more of a grassroots effort,” said Deedy. “There’s not too many traditions left if you look around, so let’s try to keep this one going.”
