Montauk Pioneer - July 3, 2009 - The Cost Of Fireworks

As Of June 25, The MCC is Short $21,000 for July 4 Fireworks in Montauk, Donations Needed

The 4th of July in Montauk has always been a very special time for families. I myself remember staying in a Motel on the ocean with my very young daughters 17 years ago. Fireworks are a huge part of the tradition as huge families gather to watch the symbolic celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

This year the fireworks will be ignited between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Umbrella Beach, (just west of the IGA), on Saturday night July 4th. Laraine Creegen, Executive Director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, said the Grucci presented show will last about 26 minutes and will be the latest in Grucci firework's presentations, who are considered to be the premier presenters of such shows.

However what is alarming to Laraine is the situation the Montauk Chamber of Commerce finds itself this year when it comes to financing the annual fireworks display. As of June 25, the Chamber was $21,000 behind in the raising the $26,000 the fireworks cost. Laraine is "extremely disappointed," about donations to this year's fundraisers to pay for the annual fireworks. In the past three years the cost was around $21,000 with a contract that had a $5000 increase for the forth and fifth years. Also, the Town of East Hampton used to set aside $5000 from the town budget as part of a $17,500 appropriation for the Montauk Chamber. However, this year, due to the town's financial situations, that number is $12,500 less, at just $5000. Laraine was beside herself as I spoke to her after hours on a job she practically works 24 hours a day doing.

"We may literally pass a hat around on the 4th to raise money. The community has to step up and so far it hasn't." People from far and wide book rooms in motels along the beach so they can be right where the action is. However it seems as though these motels have not helped enough, and in some cases, not at all.

A demand to hold the fireworks on the 4th by some motel owners has only been matched in volume by their lack of financial support. The very future of fireworks being presented by the Montauk Chamber is on a very slippery slope. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that if the funding problem is not solved, there will be no fireworks, which will result in a huge decrease in tourists and subsequently a loss in money for businesses in Montauk. We all hope this won't happen, but quite frankly, it's very likely that it will.

Although Grucci has one more year on their contract with Montauk's Chamber, it may have to be bought out if things don't radically change. As we all know, we're going through tough times in the Montauk-Hamptons region. Those doing well seem to be extra careful in not doing a responsible job supporting the Chamber, which has been so very pro-active in bringing in tourists during the difficult last three years. Too many businesses have lost focus of the job the Chamber is doing in keeping Montauk relevant in these times when there are so many communities competing for the local tourist dollar.

I stopped going to Kennebunkport, Maine after having gone there for over 10 years consecutively when they canceled the July 4th fireworks in 1992, and I have never returned. Money is tight but there are still causes that need community support. When you look at the throngs of people gathered to watch the fireworks this Saturday, just imagine them being elsewhere in 2011, or even next year. This is not a dark forecast but the voice of reality, if actions aren't taken to fund the fireworks.

It should be noted this year's rain date, and it has rained just a touch this season, is July 5th but as of this printing the forecast is for good weather on the 4th of July.

Fireworks in Montauk sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce have been presented officially for over 20 years. With Grucci taking over three years ago, and being very accommodating with the rain and scheduling problems the last few years, the Montauk fireworks are of the highest quality and are arguably the best on the east end of Long Island.

It will be one of the three that will be presented in the Town of East Hampton this July 4th, the others being in Sag Harbor, and the Devon Yacht Club. Anyone can help by calling the Montauk Chamber at 631-668 2428. Everyone who loves going every year should think about the line from that song, "don't it always seem to go you don't know what you got till it's gone." It's time for everyone to help.