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TagsBY BOB HOLT
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
While most of New Jersey is getting ready for Fourth of July festivities, the economy is threatening to put out the fireworks for more than a few municipalities. Due to the statewide budget cuts, many towns have been forced to cancel Independence Day parades and celebrations.
Jersey City just became the largest city to cancel its Fourth of July program. Ridgefield Park, which has been putting on Independence Day shows since 1894, is going without fireworks for the second straight year due to dwindling contributions.
Many town officials have been left with tough decisions due to the economic times; hold full scale celebrations — or save the money for higher town priorities.Matt Weng, staff counsel for the New Jersey League of Municipalities told www.philly.com, "With the economic downturn and loss of state aid, towns are being forced to cut back on almost everything that's not necessary. In the past a town would turn to private donations, but since the economy has affected everyone those donations aren't there anymore."
In Moorestown, Washington Township, and Gloucester City, parades have already been canceled due to the lack of such funds. Moorestown canceled their Fourth of July parade and celebration for the second year in a row. Gloucester City scrapped the town's July 4 parade to save $15,000 in their budget, while Washington Township saved $50,000 by pulling the plug on their parade.
Sometimes last-minute fundraising from private enterprises or the public can restore Independence Day events previously given up as lost. Until that happens, towns will be using scaled-down celebrations and even less costly fireworks in the continued effort to prioritize spending.
