Beachwood Fireworks On The Toms River On For The Fourth, Mayor Says

by Patricia A. Miller

Years ago, all the small towns on the Toms River each had their own fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

But that tradition slowly disappeared, as the cost of insuring the events became too prohibitive.

Only Beachwood persevered. And the show will go on for the Fourth of July, since the  inclement weather headed our way should be out of Ocean County by dusk on Friday, Mayor Ronald Roma said.

"The weather looks like it will hold up," he said Wednesday night. "We are looking forward to it. Jerry LaCrosse (Borough Councilman Gerald LaCrosse) put in a request with Mother Nature a few months ago."

Borough officials met with Jack Serpico - president of the pyrotechnics company that will put on the show - on Wednesday afternoon. The decision was made to let Serpico's employees begin the eight-hour process of setting up the launch area on the bluff across the street from Mayo Park, Roma said.

The Beachwood fireworks on the Toms River typically draws about 10,000 visitors to this small borough. The entire police force will be on duty for the Fourth, he said.

"We have an understanding with the police department," Roma said. "Nobody takes off on the Fourth of July."

Vendors will be on site at Beachwood Beach selling small food items and beverages. No other entertainment is planned.

It costs the borough roughly $20,000 to put on the show. Much of the cost is underwritten by donations from organizations and companies like JCP&L and the Toms River Country Club, the mayor said.

But Roma would be happy if some other towns in the area that benefit from the fireworks display kicked in some donations. But so far, he only has a pledge from $1,000 pledge from neighboring South Toms River.

"And even if residents could contribute a dollar or two, it would help," he said.

Donations to offset the cost of the show can be sent year-round to Fireworks - Borough of Beachwood, 1600 Pinewald Road, Beachwood NJ 08722