Fireworks, food and entertainment mark nation’s birthday
By Ed Birch, Special Writer
An estimated 7,200 people showed up to the athletic fields of the Crossroads Middle School Campus on Kingston Lane to view the township’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks extravaganza.
"I am really glad that the weather cleared up for tonight," said Mayor Frank Gambatese. "Upon waking up this morning at 9 a.m., I was really worried that we might have to cancel the event. Later on in the day, my concern turned to the wind situation outside. I really thought that we would be in trouble."
Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said that postponing the event due to weather would have cost the municipality more.
"Had the event been postponed (until July 5) it would have meant that the 35 officers who were assigned to the fireworks event and traffic details on the surrounding street corners would have went on additional overtime based on present collective bargaining agreements."
This year’s crowd drew about 2,000 more than last year, causing parking near the school to be a premium.
"All parking lots were filled up. The parking situation even caused the parking areas at our Municipal Building to overflow," said Lt. James Ryan, spokesperson for South Brunswick’s Police Department.
Despite the record setting crowd who witnessed the show "most residents who lived in town were able to get home anywhere in town within 20-30 minutes" according to Lt. Ryan.
"There were no incidents to report and the crowd was very cooperative in leaving the fireworks site," Lt. Ryan said. "There were no incidents of any missing children reported during the entire evening."
Township police with the assistance of Board of Education maintenance and township Public Works employees assisted with traffic control.
"This was, by far, the biggest crowd that the township has ever witnessed for this annual event." said Lt. Ryan.
Dayton resident Curt Monday and his one-year-old daughter Emily enjoyed the many vendors who lined the perimeter of the grass field.
"She especially liked the pizza, that was probably bigger than her mouth," he said.
Students from both middle schools and the high school staffed a booth in the center area collecting for the local food pantry. The program is entitled "Food for Friendz."
Seven-year-old Sadvik Dhananjay of Monmouth Junction showed off his love for the World Cup Soccer tournament by passing his soccer ball to his father on the baseball field before the fireworks.
Suchi Merai and Ishwari Joshi, both, 11, of Monmouth Junction, proudly showed their parents and friends their badminton skills while waiting for the start of the skies lighting up.
Jessie Parker, from the South Brunswick Council on Independent Living, played host to some residents while hugging many of her past kindergarten students and other members of the Cambridge School family.
"It is events like this that makes the entire community come together as one big family," Ms. Parker said.
For some, the event is an opportunity to catch up with friends who have been away at school.
"I look forward to this event every year. It is the perfect location to meet many friends who I do not see during the school year," said Eric Mitchell, 22, of Kendall Park.
Mr. Mitchell came with his friends including Kendall Park resident Caroline Porrovecchio, 22.
"This appears to be my last Fourth of July working at this event," said retiring Police Capt. Joe Charmello.
Capt. Charmello has announced that he will be retiring from the police force effective at the end of August.
National Night Out, in early August, will be likely his final major police event before he hangs up his 27 years of service to the township.