No fireworks to light up Bridgewater's 4th of July

BY NECN: Josh Brogadir, Bridgewater, Mass.

A small, passionate group of 4th of July Committee members gathers on the Bridgewater, Massachusetts town common.

These women are as upset as anyone in town that there will be no fireworks show this year.

"I've always gone to the 4th of July celebration. My father-in-law was born on the 4th of July. So it's always been a special day," said committee member June O'Connell.

"It's a huge deal in our house and to have canceled, it was extremely disappointing. But when there's no money to pay for it, you can't do it," said committee member Lisa Curley.

Bridgewater is not alone.

The recession has caused a budget crunch in other towns that are forced to cancel their annual parade, fireworks, or both.

But Bridgewater's Independence Day celebration isn't paid for by the town, the funding comes from private donations.

So this year, it's about companies not being able to give as much.

"Usually we get about $18,000 in fundraisers every year from our businesses. And this year that's been pretty much cut in half. They can't give what they used to give. They're hurting as well as the town," said committee member Kim MacDonald.

"All told it's about $18,000 to $20,000. When we have $6000 or $7000 in the bank, that's not going to cover it," Curley said.

The fireworks display is held each year at Legion Field in Bridgewater.

Organizers say it's normally packed with thousands

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/06/28/No-fireworks-to-light-up/1246239249.html