In the midst of the holiday season, township officials briefly set their eyes ahead to July 4th, after some concerns were raised about the viability of formally celebrating the holiday
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
PLUMSTED — In the midst of the holiday season, township officials briefly set their eyes ahead to July 4th, after some concerns were raised about the viability of formally celebrating the holiday in 2014.
At the Dec. 4 Plumsted Township Committee workshop meeting, the governing body discussed maintaining the event after Al Hutchins, who has been a long-time organizer of the event, has expressed a need to step back.
While officials are adamant they will continue the fireworks display, they also hope to maintain some of the other festivities that precede the fireworks.
Officials said Mr. Hutchins expressed a willingness provide additional information to assist them in continuing the celebration.
”He wanted to give the township committee a heads up that he was (stepping back),” said Committeeman Herb Marinari. “He would help in whatever way he can, but not to the full extent that he has in previous years.”
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 5 with a rain date of July 6.
Committeeman Marinari said he hopes $3,000 could be raised toward the event, but cautioned that with the economy impacting municipalities and private businesses, putting on such events has been a challenge in recent years.
”As with anything the cost to provide those two events is a rather large sum,” he said. “That’s why you saw last year I think many, many townships and some really big townships stop doing fireworks.”
Due to economic issues, business contributions have become “nonexistent or limited to some extent,” he said.
He noted that last year the Plumsted and Business Merchants Association raised $1,500, and expressed confidence that they could do so again.
Committeeman Jack Trotta suggested the Republican Club could also be relied on to provide additional funds, as it had raised $1,000 toward the event last year.
”We’re going to continue to raise money for the event as well,” Committeeman Trotta said, noting he hopes they would be able to raise at least $750.
Mayor Dave Leutwyler said they should move forward to reserve space for the celebration, which he called “a great community event.”
”I would like to see us go ahead and reserve the stage and try to go forward with this,” the mayor said. “I know it’s a big undertaking.”
Officials noted the importance of reserving both the stage and New Egypt High School athletic fields, especially the former, which is a county structure.
”The stage that is used for the entertainment is a hot item, especially that time of year, and scheduling almost has to happen within a month’s time,” said Commiteeman Marinari.
This isn’t the first time the holiday’s celebration in the township has been in jeopardy.
According to archives, in 2009 private fundraising saved the celebration after state aid funding was cut earlier in the year.
American Legion Post 455 spearheaded a fund drive that raised about $5,000, with large contributions from the New Egypt Agway and Blacey’s Auto Parts.
”It’s good to see the community come together and do that,” said then-mayor Ron Dancer.