Fireworks will light up the night over Gloucester Harbor on July 3 after all, thanks to a community fundraising push and an increase in the city’s commitment above past years, according to Barry Pett, one of the show organizers.
However, fundraising must continue as $90,000 is needed to stage the fireworks shows on July 3 and Labor Day during the Gloucester Schooner Festival, and the two accompanying concerts on Stacy Boulevard, he said.
“But we’re not done yet,” the Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page said. “Fundraising efforts must continue to fully support both events. “Every donation helps keep the tradition alive!”
On April 27, the Fireworks Committee said it planned to host only the Labor Day weekend fireworks, unless it could raise at least $50,000 by May 21 when a contract needs to be signed to stage the July 3 show..
Each fireworks display costs $40,000, and the each concert costs $5,000, for a total $90,000. This year, organizers are facing soaring insurance costs for the fireworks shows. The cost of just liability insurance for both shows is more than $20,000, up 28% over last year, Pett said.
Shortly after the announcement that the July 3 fireworks show was in jeopardy, several groups blasted into action to raise money to save the fireworks.
The city also stepped up its commitment.
“The city of Gloucester has proudly supported our annual fireworks celebration for many years, traditionally contributing around $10,000 each year,” Mayor Greg Verga said in an email. “This year, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and several major community events, we’ve increased our contribution to $25,000 to help make the July 3rd celebration truly special.
“Typically,” he said, “we wait until later in the fiscal year to determine our final contribution, once we have a clearer picture of available funds. I’m proud that, thanks to this significant support from the city and the incredible generosity of our community, we’re able to move forward with the July 3rd fireworks display. I also want to recognize the amazing volunteers who help put these celebrations on each year — I know they work very hard to make it all happen.”
The Department of Public Works continues to go above and beyond, preparing Stage Fort Park and Stacy Boulevard — at no cost to the organizers — for the July 3 and Labor Day concerts and fireworks, Verga said.
“The city’s continued backing of this tradition has played a big role in helping us move closer to our goal,” the Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page said. “We are happy to say that we are able to commit to American Thunder Fireworks to provide fireworks displays for both dates.”
The business community also answered the call with a two-week Business Challenge fundraiser held by the nonprofit Better Together for Cape Ann Inc. on Facebook. The fundraiser seeks to get 500 businesses to each donate $100, and in doing so, nominate another business to step up.
“Better Together for Cape Ann Inc. was proud to support the fundraising efforts to keep the tradition alive,” Better Together Cape Ann President Patty Wall wrote in a message to the Times.
“When we learned there would only be a Labor Day celebration this year, my husband and I immediately wanted to help,” she wrote. “What began as a plan for a dance and auction quickly transformed into a dynamic Business Challenge, thanks to my brother-in-law, Brian Wall CPA. The idea gained incredible momentum, with local businesses and community members stepping up generously.
“We are deeply grateful to all the businesses that participated and donated — this wouldn’t have been possible without their support. We’re committed to lighting up the sky on July 3rd for our children and grandchildren, and we thank the Fireworks Committee for their tireless dedication to making it happen.”
“The Better Together for Cape Ann fundraising efforts and the upcoming fundraising events, combined with the outpouring of support from the community have given us deep appreciation for the support for the city’s fireworks and concerts,” the Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page posted. “We will be continuing to look for new fundraising events, contributions by different means, new challenges, and our annual outreach to the local business community to continue working towards our ultimate goal.”
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.