SWAMPSCOTT — Recreation Director Danielle Strauss is seeking help from the community, in the form of donations or possible fundraisers, in order to help raise funds for the upcoming 4th of July event in town.
Strauss explained that the event used to be paid for through the town’s budget, which has racked up to a total of over $40,000, but after the budget has been reduced several times over the years, the amount available that the town has budgeted for the event has dwindled down to $8,500.
“It’s been on my mind for a while,” Strauss said regarding the different costs that encompass the event. “A lot goes into it, from the concert, to the fireworks, to the police detail, band and portapotties — it’s all tied together in this event.”
She added that the total amount would likely increase with the tariffs, since the fireworks are coming from China. While the town would pay for the majority of the 4th of July event with various donations to help out — Strauss said, this time, the funds will have to be raised by “other means,” with her hope being to rally the community together to help mitigate the financial shortfall.
“The budget has dwindled down to $8,500 — and police details alone can be anywhere from $12-15,000,” Strauss said. “The parade costs $5,000, the fireworks cost $18,000, plus the band and the porta potties… All of which went up in price over the past couple years.”
Another avenue of support, she explained, comes from the Tedesco Golf Tournament.
“The club gives us the course, for free, every other year — and in between years, I have to pay per person to use the course… In the years we don’t pay, we make about $22,000 — and when we have to pay, we make about $12,000,” Strauss said, which helps mitigate the gap.
Strauss added that some money is being used from the funds raised through Swamptoberfest — where the proceeds are split with the Yacht Club, who help organize the event.
“I think the community needs to know that the town needs fundraising and donations in order to continue to have this 4th of July event… I’ve put my time and energy into making this happen, and I don’t want to see this go away,” she said. “The community really needs to know this, and I hope they participate in coming up with the shortfall. If this community cherishes that tradition, then we have to go to the community to make this happen.”
She continued, saying that if residents wish to send donations of any amount to help with the costs associated with the event, they can send checks to the town administrator’s office, care of Fireworks Donation.
