By Nicole Cosentino, Special Writer
A dazzling fireworks display lit up the sky in South Brunswick at the Crossroads Middle Schools campus on Kingston Lane on June 6.
”It’s a beautiful night; the humidity’s down,” Princeton Walk resident Camille Frosztega said. “It’s perfect.”
More than 5,000 people attended the third annual event, according to Sgt. James Ryan. Spectators consisted of people of all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life.
Before the aerial display, Endless Celebrations hosted a hula-hoop competition and potato sack race for children. The entertainment company also played radio hits from a DJ booth throughout the event.
One of the entertainers sang a rendition of “God Bless America” at the beginning of the fireworks, and the DJ booth played patriotic music during the display.
Schaefer Pyrotechnics, Inc., provided the fireworks from Ronks, Pennsylvania, according to officials.
”It’s a nice affair,” lifelong Dayton resident Mary Payne said. “I like that it’s local. I like that it’s close. I like that we have music and some food out here.”
Vendors supplied the crowd with a selection of foods including Italian ice, funnel cake, and shish-ka-bobs. Spectators peppered the lawn with chairs and blankets as they awaited the fireworks.
Tonya and Dale Gibson, Monmouth Junction residents of nine years, attended the event for the first time.
”I didn’t know about it. It wasn’t particularly well advertised,” Dale Gibson said. “I just happened to be driving by today and saw it.”
Glowsticks illuminated the darkened field as children played later during the festival.
”It was relaxed and fun,” Tonya Gibson said just before the fireworks went off. “The food was great.”
Chief Financial Officer Joe Monzo estimated the total cost of the fireworks, entertainment, and cleanup to be about $13,000.
”It was great,” Mayor Frank Gambatese said at a Town Council meeting Tuesday night. “To me, it worked out really well. I think our police did a great job.”

