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The all-volunteer organization behind the town’s Independence Day displays is asking residents and businesses to dig deep this year, warning of a significant funding gap that could threaten the annual fireworks show.
"We need to raise about $80,000 in round dollars," Marblehead Fireworks Committee Chair Alexander Falk told the Independent.
The committee relies entirely on private donations to fund its July 4 fireworks and Harbor Illumination, said it is running behind on contributions compared to previous years. The committee attributed the shortfall largely to a logistical setback — its annual fundraising letter was not included with the town census mailing this spring.
The display carries particular weight this year, as the celebration coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Marblehead fireworks and Harbor Illumination have been consistently ranked among the top 10 in the country by Coastal Living magazine.
Residents can donate by check payable to the Town of Marblehead, with “Fireworks” in the memo line, mailed to Abbot Hall. That contribution is tax-deductible. Donations can also be made through the committee’s affiliated nonprofit, the Friends of the Marblehead Fireworks, a 501(c)(3) organization, at fireworksforever.org, via Venmo at @marbleheadfireworks or through a donor-advised fund using EIN 46-4756810.
Alexander Falk, chairman of the Marblehead Fireworks Committee, can be reached at al@falk.us.
