Beachwood Ready For July 4 Fireworks Over The Toms River

BEACHWOOD, NJ — It's been a crazy few years for the annual fireworks display over the Toms River in Beachwood.

For 2022, however, it appears things will be almost completely back to normal for the donation-funded pyrotechnics display, with food trucks and fun and games, along with participation by WOBM 92.7 FM, which provides on-site entertainment and games as well as the musical accompaniment to the fireworks show after dark.

The show is the largest display in Ocean County, swelling the population of riverfront towns as spectators arrive to vie for the best possible views. Route 9 jams with vehicles, especially later in the afternoon and evening leading up to the show.

Boaters take to the Toms River to see the display, with hundreds of boats pulling up for front-shore seats.

The fireworks display over the river was first held in 1922, when flare guns were used to send the fireworks into the sky. It didn't become an annual event until the 1930s. At first, residents paid for the cost of the display, and at some point, Beachwood picked up the tab. When it became too expensive for the municipality, a citizens' group appropriately named B.A.N.G. begin soliciting donations and sponsors.

In 1984, former longtime Mayor William T. Hornidge decided the borough should have a dedicated committee — Fireworks on the Toms River — to solicit money for the event. The committee included the mayors of Pine Beach and Island Heights, whose towns like many others had halted displays because of the costs, particularly for insurance. Those people, along with Bill Scott of Adelphia Cable, took over fundraising from the Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company.

The committee, now nearly 40 years old, works on fundraising for the display year-round to guard against times when donations diminish due to economic conditions.

The show has had a rough few years, first because of the 2018 cancellation due to a problem with the show's vendor, and then the 2020 cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Traffic can be a bear, but if you love fireworks, the show will be well worth the patience you'll need afterward as you creep along Route 9.

If you'd like to see the display but you're not sure of places to go, here are some suggestions:

The best viewing spots are along the banks of the Toms River in Beachwood, Pine Beach, Ocean Gate, Toms River, South Toms River (at Mathis Plaza) and Island Heights. Plan to make a day of it and get there early. The closer it is to showtime, the farther you will need to walk to access those points.

Beachwood has an afternoon-long celebration where you can pack up the kids and spend the afternoon before the show.

Pine Beach has a popular access point at the borough's boat launch, at the curve of Prospect Avenue; people stake out picnic spots and pass the afternoon with games until the show begins. There are also sections of beach along Riverside Drive; park at Vista Park and walk to the beachfront.

The Island Heights promenade is public access but you will need beach badges. They can be purchased at town hall earlier in the day.

The former Beachwood Shopping Center parking lot has become a popular spot and most of the display can be seen from there. It also allows for easier access to leave afterward, as Route 9 slows to a crawl with people leaving the fireworks display.

Some of the access along the river is private property so be sure to ask before you step onto someone's land.

Boat access

Boaters are urged to make their way up to the display early as it does get crowded. Be sure you have your navigation lights operating because they are critical for safety in the crowds of boats.

Beachwood Fireworks Donations

The funds for the fireworks display are maintained in a separate account and no taxpayer money is used to put them on. Money left over from year to year is held as an emergency reserve. Those who wish to donate can send checks payable to: Beachwood Fireworks, Beachwood Borough Hall, 1600 Pinewald Road, Beachwood, NJ 08722.