Funding progressing for Marblehead fireworks

MARBLEHEAD – As of March 10 the town had reached 75 percent of its goal for the annual fireworks display.Alexander Falk, chairman of the Marblehead Fireworks Committee, said the town has raised nearly $50,000 of the $65,000 cost.Falk is a native of Austria who emigrated to the United States nine years ago. He became a citizen a year ago. Over the years he donated to the annual fireworks fund and was also active in the Boston Yacht Club. In 2008 longtime committee member and past BYC Commander Mike Mentuck invited him to join the committee and in 2009 selectmen named him chairman of the committee.The bulk of that is donated by mooring holders and businessmen. Fund-raising letters go out with the mooring renewal forms each winter and the committee also solicits businessmen.The fireworks display and harbor illumination are scheduled for Sunday evening, July 4, with a rain date of Monday, July 5. The fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9 p.m. The Harbor Illumination will begin at 8:45 p.m.Donations to the committee can be sent in care of the Marblehead Board of Selectmen at Abbot Hall.Committee activities can be followed at their Web site, www.marbleheadfireworks.org/fuse.html.