By Amy Batista, Special Writer
CRANBURY — Residents extended the celebration of the nation’s independence with cookouts and fireworks in the company of family, friends and neighbors during the Cranbury Fireworks Spectacular on July 5.
The fireworks became a tradition of celebrating the day after the holiday with the celebration of Cranbury’s Tercentennial in 1997.
”The public response has been strong each and every year that we have had the fourth of July fireworks display,” Mayor David Cook said. “This year was no disappointment, either. International Fireworks met all of our expectations and exceeded them as well.”
International Fireworks put on the display, which was sponsored by the township at a cost of $7,500, according to Denise Marabello, township administrator and director of finance.
”(I’m) not certain if everyone realizes that for many years, after the Tercentennial, the entire display was paid for by contribution where families were asked to send in what they could, averaging $20 per family,” said Township Committeewoman Susan Goetz. “Eventually, the event became so important to the community that it became part of our budget. Thanks has to go to the Historical Society for hosting the Musicians in the Park. Budget constraints made it necessary to drop that part of the celebration from the budget, but they quickly stepped up and offered to continue that tradition.”
Mayor Cook said there are two reasons for having the fireworks July 5 as opposed to on the holiday itself.
”First, you can celebrate the actual Fourth of July at the shore or other location and still have Cranbury’s fireworks to look forward to on the 5th,” Mayor Cook said. “Second is that it costs less to have the display on the 5th as opposed to the 4th.”
Lt. Frank Dillane of the Cranbury Township Police Department estimated more than 3,000 people attend the event each year.
The Community Emergency Response Team was activated to assist with the event along with the local Fire Department and First Aid Squad who were on hand.
”We had six CERT volunteers assisting last night,” Mr. Dillane said. “We had two in the park on foot patrol, one at Bennett Place to ensure that only residents in that development or guests of those residents gained entry, one at the entrance handing out flashers to children and two at the rear entrance of the park who later moved to the intersection of South Main Street and Evans Drive after the fireworks to for traffic control and pedestrian safety.”
David Reynolds of Toms River, partner and sales representative of International Fireworks, discussed a little of the company’s history and how it does its shows.
”We artistically design each shell to the site,” Mr. Reynolds said. “We put in a lot of designs like peanut shells and pattern affects shells (heart, shapes, smileys, stars, etc.) into the show. These are the effects we pride ourselves on. We make sure that we design these.”
International Fireworks Mfg. Co. was founded in 1906 in New Jersey and relocated to Pennsylvania with some offices still in New Jersey in the mid 1980s, according to Mr. Reynolds.
According to the company’s website, it is one of the largest companies to manufacture specialty (fireworks) shells in the United States.
It is also a major importer of shells from China, Japan and other countries and sends representatives to the Orient annually, according to the company.
The firm also has its own exclusive line of fireworks made to the company’s unique specifications.
”We buy our product for effect, not price, and that’s what sets us apart,” said Mr. Reynolds, commenting the company performs around 300 shows a year with about 200 of them in the state.
”(To do) that quantity of weekly shows, you have to have the largest variety on the East Coast to give (customers),” Mr. Reynolds said. “We have to make sure we have a good inventory turn to rotate product and keep that variety.”
David Parish, of Pennsylvania, is a lead shooter for the company and has been with the firm for 12 years, according to Mr. Reynolds.
”I think he grew up with a firecracker in his hand,” Mr. Reynolds said.
Mr. Reynolds said company officials thought Gov. Chris Christie taking office would affect the company’s business with budget cuts, but, fortunately, for them, towns and other venues have figured out a way to keep the shows going.
”Fortunately, budget issues didn’t affect us. Towns cut back on the amount of display, but didn’t cut them out. (Towns also) went out to the local businesses for sponsorship,” Mr. Reynolds said.
He did say there were some towns laying off personnel that did end up cutting the fireworks completely out of the budget instead of just downsizing the display.
”My kids and I have been watching the fireworks for about six years now, and my son said these were the best ones yet,” Ms. Marabello said.
Ms. Goetz said the event has become a tradition for her family.
”I watched the display with my children nearly every year since the first year we did this to celebrate Cranbury’s Tercentennial and now am able to continue to make memories as I watch my grandson, Tyler, enjoy the show,” Ms. Goetz said.
For some attendees, it is the small-town atmosphere that was among one of the favorite features that draws them to Cranbury and watching the fireworks.
”The fireworks, Memorial Day parade and Cranbury Day are key contributors to keeping our small town character and feel,” said James Taylor, committee member.
Pat Westley, of Cranbury, has been coming for the past 10 years with her family.
”It is that small-town feeling of patriotism and watching these families grow over the years,” said Ms. Westley as she sat on the swings as her grandchildren ran around on the playground. “It’s that hometown feeling, like Andy Griffith’s ‘Mayberry.’”
Her family makes a tradition out of the evening by having dinner at Cranbury Pizza, going for ice cream at Gil & Bert’s Ice Cream, then heading over to the fireworks.
”My favorite part is getting ice cream at Gil & Bert’s,” said her daughter, Jackie Santostefano, of Manalapan in Monmouth County. “I like vanilla.”
”I like the fireworks,” said her brother, Liam Santostefano, of Manalapan.
”I like how it’s the day after, too,” said mom Nicole Santostefano [mrh: whose mom: ], of Manalapan. “It kind of prolongs the festivities. It’s a kind of camaraderie here. It’s kid-friendly.”
For many, the fireworks are a time to reconnect with family and friends and carry on, or start, new family traditions.
Megan Pease, of Cranbury, has been coming to the fireworks for the eight years her family has lived in the township.
”The fireworks are good, and the music is nice,” Ms. Pease said. “It’s a nice family event. The kids get to see their friends. It’s just a good night out. I love this park (Village Park). It’s one of my favorite parks.”
Visitors from the surrounding towns, such as Monroe, also come to watch.
”It’s an extra treat (for the holiday),” said Phyllis Leif, of Monroe. “It’s more family oriented and makes you feel more comfortable. It makes it feel like summer. Sort of reminds you what this country is all about; you hear the music and the fireworks.”
”I like that it is not so crowded as some of these other places,” said Sharyn Seifert, of Monroe, who has been coming for the past five years. “The fireworks are terrific. It’s just really kind of homey here.”

