Organizers appeal for donations for Oceanfest fireworks display show

Location of fireworks display: Oceanfest

City :Long Branch
State: NJ
Date:4th July 9:30PM.
Show contact:7322220400
Event website:http://www.longbranchchamber.org/docs/ofestreleaseMay2008.pdf
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Details: LONG BRANCH — For the last 18 years, the annual Oceanfest July 4 celebration -- often trumpeted by the state's tourism Web site as among the state's biggest and best free celebrations of the nation's independence -- has served like a giant welcome sign.
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Long Branch is clean, it is bursting with activity and most of all, it is safe, Oceanfest organizers said, as every year, more and more people came to the city, saw its emerging redevelopment and vowed to return to spend more money here.
And the virtual sign was punctuated by a huge fireworks explosion over the ocean, a fireworks display so significant that it often took more than a dozen corporate sponsors to pick up the tab.
Now the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce says that while corporate sponsors still are still participating, with the current economy they just can't afford to pay as much as they did in prior years.
The chamber now is hoping the public will make up the difference and send donations to the chamber office or take advantage of collection boxes the organization is putting up all over the city.
"We have done everything possible to cut costs without affecting the quality of the event and visitor enjoyment,'' said Susan Woolley, assistant chamber director in a prepared release. "Asking for public support for the fireworks was really a last resort, but we have no other option this year."'
Oceanfest originally was conceived as a family-friendly way to encourage people to return to the city, which had been in decline for many years.
This year, the 19th annual Oceanfest celebration is scheduled to take place on the city's oceanfront, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4, featuring entertainment, games and competitions, ending with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Mayor Adam Schneider said appealing directly to the public is not a bad idea.
"I knew things were doing to be tough, but I also know they will put it on this year,'' he said.
No matter how tight the economy is, Schneider pledged, the city would do what was necessary "now and in the foreseeable future to make sure it gets done.''
"There is no doubt in my mind that fireworks will happen this year and it is because people will step up to the plate and contribute even small dollars that will eventually add up to large dollars,'' said Councilman Anthony Giordano.
Donations may be sent to the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 628, Long Branch, NJ 07740. More information on Oceanfest and available sponsorship opportunities is available by calling the chamber at (732) 222-0400 or Allen Consulting at (732) 946-2711.