Resident disheartened by treatment at fireworks

The Fourth of July fireworks in Red Bank are a truly memorable experience. The fireworks have been one of the only annual town events that put all the residents of the two-rivers area on an equal footing for one night.

As a member of a three-generation Red Bank family, my fondest memories of the fireworks in Red Bank revolve around the planning for a view in Marine Park, the evening picnic supper, the fellowship with neighbors and friends, and even the traffic as we all walk home down the middle of Broad Street lugging kids, coolers and lawn chairs. This is truly a slice of Americana that is hard to find in this day and age. This is Red Bank. I appreciate all the efforts and contributions of all those who make the event possible.

However, I was saddened and disappointed when I found out the Kaboom Committee, with what I assume is the blessing of the town officials, commandeered a portion of Riverside Gardens Park and the adjacent parking area for a VIP fireworks section, with a $100-per-head admission fee. Even the fireworks-launching barge was repositioned for the viewing benefit of the VIP area at the expense of down-river sites. The stated purpose for the special VIP area is to raise extra money to pay for the fireworks display.

This is contrary to everything I love about the Red Bank fireworks; it creates a highly visible economic divide at the event. Furthermore, it threatens to set a precedent that could be exploited in the future. Riverside Garden Park was long awaited by the residents. Every property owner’s taxes pay for the park. I estimate each household contributes $50-per-year in debt repayments and $25-per-year in maintenance costs. On top of this, many area families contribute monetary donations to the fireworks event, some small and some large, but all very important.

Taking the prime section of the park and view away from the majority of spectators on such a night is outrageous. There must be other ways to raise the money for our fireworks display rather than resorting to economic segregation and elitism.

Henry Goodhue

Red Bank