The Town of Cohasset's annual Independence Day fireworks celebration will return to Sandy Beach on July 2nd, now under the management of the Recreation Department after two successful years of resident-led organization.
The event, which drew nearly 4,000 attendees last year, will continue its tradition with the same pyrotechnics vendor while exploring new fundraising strategies to support its approximately $70,000 budget.
"We're looking for sponsors who, maybe you can come in and you can be the DJ sponsor... Maybe you could be the trash sponsor because we know what that costs," said Tim Burnieika, Chair of the Recreation Commission. "We can get a sign out there in the parking lot - here's your logo, here's your family's to thank people and give them some recognition."
Craig McClellan, who previously organized the event, will continue to support the celebration as part of a broader team effort. "The first year we raised $30,000 in 45 days," McClellan said, describing the event's initial fundraising success. He noted that the July 2nd date was chosen strategically, as hosting the show on July 4th would incur "incredibly huge cost."
The Recreation Department plans to implement new fundraising approaches, including opportunities at community events. "Events like the rec fair that we have in March, just having a table set up for the small donations," said Ted Carroll, Recreation Director.
The total cost of last year's event was approximately $62,000, with organizers budgeting $70,000 for this year's celebration. The budget covers comprehensive event needs including police operations, which organizers say are now well-established.
"The police operation aspect of it, Chief Quigley has that completely figured out now," McClellan said. "It's just a plug and play now for that."
Select Board member Jack Creighton praised the event's impact on the community: "You've really plugged into that magic, which makes Cohasset a very special town. People have good ideas, people rally around... seeing the smiles of people rushing into the fireworks - well done."
The Recreation Department is actively seeking committee members to help organize this year's celebration, with planning already underway for the summer event.