Fourth of July celebrations continued into Friday, July 5, as Lawrence Township held its annual fireworks at Rider University. Attendees gathered on the Campus Green to enjoy a performance by Kindred Spirits and the evenin
By Kelly Velocci, Packet Media Group
Fourth of July celebrations continued into Friday, July 5, as Lawrence Township held its annual fireworks at Rider University. Attendees gathered on the Campus Green to enjoy a performance by Kindred Spirits and the evening’s festivities.
The crowd accompanied the band in singing “The National Anthem” as the first firework went shooting into the sky.
”Ohs” and “ahs” and the occasional “that’s so cool” could be heard from the grass.
Steve Groeger, Lawrence Township’s supervisor of recreation, said this year’s fireworks featured more large shells providing bigger fireworks. Mr. Groeger said the fireworks cost about $20,000.
For many attendees the annual fireworks display is a celebration of summer. Despite the large crowd packed onto the Campus Green many attendees said they like the Lawrence fireworks because of the community atmosphere.
Zuzana and Reg Forgie said the atmosphere was “quaint” and “very relaxed.”
Karan Faeian said she has been coming to the township’s fireworks for about six years.
”It wouldn’t be the holiday without it,” she said. The “cozy” atmosphere and the familiar faces keep her coming back each year, she said.
For other attendees, the fireworks are a special time to share with family.
Suzanne Stout, who has attended the fireworks for more than 10 years, brought along her mother and two out-of-town relatives. She said the Lawrence fireworks are “some of the best around.” Ms. Stout, a self-described “patriotic nerd,” said, “It’s wonderful to celebrate this country.”
Recreation Advisory Committee chairperson Marie Tagliaferri said, “The show and the spirit keep people coming back.”
Fundraising for next year’s fireworks began on Friday evening. Volunteers sold glow sticks and set-up donation bins around the Campus Green. The festivities are funded by donations from Lawrence residents and surrounding communities as well as local businesses.
”They’re just beautiful,” said Mary Louise Gallo. “You don’t get the full effect from just watching them on television,” she said.