Montauk Chamber of Commerce Launches Fundraising Campaign to Save Fourth of July Fireworks

The Montauk Chamber of Commerce recently launched a fundraising campaign in order to raise money to bring back the Fourth of July fireworks.

“We source about half of the cost from our hotel members, however to give you an example of rising costs the fireworks cost $16,000 ten years ago, $19,000 five years ago and $23,000 today,” Laraine Creegan, executive director said. “We struggle to make up the difference from chamber resources and that means taking away from or eliminating another special event that contributes to our prime, short tourist season economy.”

The campaign was launched on April 19 by Karin Johnson on GoFundMe after the chamber learned that the Shelter Island fireworks fundraising campaign earned $36,500, according to Creegan.

“Fireworks at July 4th community celebrations are as American as apple pie,” the Chamber of Commerce said in an e-mail. “Eliminate them and be prepared to inflame the citizenry.”

So far, since the page was created, only $700 was raised. The goal, according to the page, is $23,000.

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page.

Photo: GoFundMe.com

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