Tonight: Borough to Ignite 4,860 Fireworks

Collingswood's acclaimed Fourth of July fireworks show is known as one of the region's best. But when Patch learned the inner workings of this elaborate production, they equate to a simple fact.

It's really just a numbers game.

But the numbers that make up Collingswood's four-part July 4th fireworks show—which begins at 9:15 p.m. tonight, Monday—are quite impressive. 

Within the fireworks equation, one number is more impressive than any other. According to borough officials, the show comprises 4,860 individual fireworks. To get there, the show will feature 560 fireworks during its opening segment; 1,100 in its body; 2,000 throughout the mid-show; and 1,200 fireworks during its finale. 

"It'll be the greatest fireworks display we've ever had," said Mayor James Maley. "Just after dark, the fireworks start. It's a pretty spectacular show. Part of what makes it so good is the location. The fireworks are shot off from a certain spot, so that they explode directly above the crowd. You're literally sitting underneath these fireworks."

Crowds will begin scattering throughout the Collingswood High School Athletic Stadium, and around The Knight Park, when gates open tonight at 6:30 p.m.  Spectators should bring their own blankets and chairs to this free event. 

At 8 p.m., the musical group All About Me will perform live, featuring a mix of today's popular hits and classic, patriotic tunes. By the time fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., the athletic field and park will contain a sizable crowd, and a major factor in the Fourth of July equation.

"Each year, anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 people bring out their blankets and chairs (to watch) the show," said Maley. Maley said the show has existed as long as he can remember, and that borough officials have calculated the fireworks equation on Fourth of July for at least 50 years. 

For the past 15 years, a driving force behind the show has been Collingswood Borough Administrator Bradford Stokes. And while Stokes' hands-on approach and organizational involvement remains this year, he admitted to one difference in the 2011 show.

"We used a new company this year, D&M Fireworks, who are based out of Pennsylvania," said Stokes of the new group. "As good as last year's show was, there were a couple of gaps (when there were no fireworks in the sky) that I wasn't thrilled with. 

"We want to keep up our standards, so that's why we're using a new company this year," he said. "I think the (2011) fireworks show is going to blow everyone away."

Most wouldn't realize how difficult an equation preparing and orchestrating the event can be. The 25- to 30-minute-long fireworks show takes from eight to 10 hours to set up, with a fireworks crew beginning that process early in the morning of July 4.

"We try to keep the show condensed. Other towns tend to drag-out fireworks for 45 minutes or more," said Stokes. "We like to keep it intense. There will probably only be a second or two when nothing is in the air; it's going to be a constant barrage of fireworks."

The spectacular display is a far cry from those July 4th festivities offered by other area municipalities. In fact, budget crises have cause many to cut down, or completely cancel, their firework traditions.

"We are thankful for (our fireworks show) sponsors, who pay for the entire event each year," said Stokes of First Colonial National Bank and the law offices of Brown & Connery, LLP. "If it weren't for our sponsors, we probably wouldn't be having fireworks, either."

Fireworks are lit behind the high school, on a plot of county-owned land at West Newton Lake Drive. All on-site operations are handled by the Camden County Fire Marshal's office, said Stokes.

County officials may control safety at the ignition site, but the event itself is orchestrated by borough forces, like Stokes and Collingswood Fire Chief John Amet. Amet was unavailable for comment, but Fire Captain Keith Davis spoke to Patch about Collingswood Fire Department's role in Monday's show.

"While the fireworks are being shot off on county property, we (Collingswood Fire Department officials) will be there, just on standby if any emergencies occur," said Davis. "We've also put extra people on to work the July 4th event, just in case of emergency, because we know it's supposed to be a hot day."

Davis, a borough official who will work the fireworks display, broke out of his professional shell when asked about the show's quality.

"As far as fireworks displays go in our region, it's probably one of the biggest and best ones out there," said Davis. "I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone. It sets the standard for fireworks shows."

One thing's for sure—this year's equation will result in the borough's most complex fireworks display yet.

In the event of rain, fireworks will be rescheduled for Friday, July 8. To read about other events the borough is hosting on Fourth of July, .