Fireworks going off in a past Family Fourth Fireworks event at Look Park.
Photo credit: The Family Fourth Fireworks Committee
NORTHAMPTON — The future of the Northampton Family Fourth Fireworks has become uncertain due to a significant funding shortfall, so organizers of the community favorite event are calling for support from the public.
The Family Fourth Committee announced on March 7 that despite raising some money so far for the event, it still faces a gap of approximately $25,000 to reach the funds needed to fund the fireworks display scheduled for June 21 at Look Memorial Park in Florence.
The fundraising goal is $30,000 in total and according to Family Fourth Committee member Brenda Ryan, inflation has exacerbated funding concerns for the event.
“What has happened since COVID is the cost of everything has gone up extensively, so it has drained down the funds we had to be able to start our starting point with, to be able to put the fireworks on,” said Ryan. “The fireworks have become extremely expensive along with the insurances and all the other things that we need to pay for in order to do that.”
Last year at this time the committee had nearly double the funds on hand. To move forward and pay deposits and other expenses, sponsorship and financial commitments must be secured in the coming months.
“Our big thing is the cost of everything has gone up,” Ryan added. “We’ve had so many wonderful people and businesses that have helped support this event every year and we’re really hoping that reaching out and letting them know — even though I know that a lot of people are having their own struggles on their own personal or business level — but we’re really trying to reach out and see if we can get some people to step up and help us provide this event again.”
The Family Fourth has become a cherished tradition, drawing around 10,000 people to Look Park each year. The event offers food trucks, live music, family-friendly games and activities, and a fireworks show over the park’s towering trees at dusk.
Members of the Northampton Family Fourth Committee are hopeful that securing sponsorships and donations will allow the event to continue as planned.
“We’re really working hard to come up with different opportunities, but we really need to let the public know it’s really important whatever they’re available to give would be greatly appreciated,” Ryan said. “Every penny counts and it’s a great event and it’s a family event and we really love putting it on.”
Ryan said the community and Look Park’s support of the event has always been great and is still there for them as they look to resolve these funding concerns. The committee will reassess the situation in their upcoming meetings every couple of weeks before making a final decision on if they are able to support this year’s fireworks event.
For those interested in supporting the event, sponsorship opportunities are outlined in the form available at northamptonfamilyfourth.com.
Donations can also be made at the same site. For questions or other information, Ryan can be contacted at 413-348-7451 or info@northamptonfamilyfourth.com.
Ryan said the committee will remain optimistic as they continue to call on the community for support in pulling off this year’s Family Fourth Fireworks event. She added the community coming together for such a fun night each year makes the efforts to secure another year of fireworks even more important.
“The smiling faces that we see every year that come into the park, it’s so great to see that and the families. Whether they’re walking in with their wagons or renting out picnic sites and having barbeques for the day, playing in the field, listening to the music and dancing — it’s all ages. From the very young up to elderly, and they all love it and love to see a beautiful show,” Ryan said. “It really just is a huge family event that has all the aspects. You come and you can relax in this great field, have wonderful food, listen to great music from local bands and groups and just watch everybody play and smile and laugh with each other. It’s just a beautiful time.”
