BODY POLITIC

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS FIREWORKS - THE GREATEST SHOW AT THE SHORE

Any time that you are building a great franchise, whether it is in politics, business or sports, there are key factors that determine success. Three of those requirements are time, money and dedicated personnel all rowing in the same direction. In the next week, visitors from across the state will see that Atlantic Highlands has put those ingredients together for our town’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

In a little under two years, the Fireworks Committee led by Councilwoman Kim Spatola has made Atlantic Highlands a destination for festivities. As many Monmouth County residents are aware, the harbor is the focal point with the Fireman’s Fair as the anchor. Each night at the fair, you can see the spirit of Atlantic Highlands with volunteers at the game booths, the food stand and even the roulette wheel. Not only is the fair a good time, but it raises funds that our emergency services and Lions Club desperately need to provide quality services to our residents.

While the fair attracts both old and young alike, the committee has breathed new life into our fireworks display. Once again, Garden State fireworks will be providing a spectacular show on Friday July 7, and this year promises to be better than last year. Our fireworks display was so good last year that other local towns have engaged Garden State as well. If you were anywhere near Atlantic Highlands last year, the sounds and sights of the fireworks were second to none.

To fund such a great display, the borough sets aside approximately $15,000 each year from the Harbor Commissions budget. However, to go one step better and provide additional funding for a bigger show, the Fireworks Committee has their second annual buy a Rocket campaign. For as little as $20, anyone can buy a rocket and their name will be associated with the program and a firework of their own. Proceeds of the campaign will go to future Fireworks displays in the coming years.

There is a lot of logistics to putting on a fair and celebration of this size. The fireman have worked year round to get ready for their big event, and the Fireworks Committee has met at least monthly since last Fourth planning their activities. The town of Atlantic Highlands is a place to be next week and everyone involved should take a bow for putting on the greatest show at the Shore.