Borough raising funds for July 4 celebration

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Fireworks explode over Naugatuck High School last year during the borough’s July 4 celebration. The Parks and Recreation Department is raising funds for this year’s celebration and is currently needs about $3,000 more. -RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — Every year, the borough puts on a July 4 celebration and fireworks show that is patriotic and costly.

The fireworks display costs $16,000 to put on each year, according to Recreation Director Kim Eyre. This year the borough included $10,000 in the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget for the fireworks, leaving the department the raise the remainder.

Eyre said the department has been able to raise approximately $3,200 towards the firework display as of last week, which leaves the department with nearly $3,000 left with under a month to go.

To help raise the needed money for the fireworks, the department will host two fundraisers this month.

The first will take place at Ayash-man Restaurant from 4 to 9 p.m. on June 14. Ten percent of the sales from the evening will go towards the fireworks fund.

Ayash-man owner Jimmy Ayash said when he was asked to hold the fundraiser he immediately said yes because he loves fireworks and the Fourth of July.

The second event will be at Kids Create, 677 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on June 30. During this fundraiser children will be able to do paintings on canvas, make air-dried clay works and do beading. A portion of the fee will go towards the fireworks, according to borough resident Linda Ramos, who is helping to fundraise for the fireworks.

The fireworks display is scheduled for July 4 at Naugatuck High School, 543 Rubber Ave. Eyre said the show is expected to begin at about 9:15 p.m., if the evening is dark enough.

The event isn’t just all about fireworks, however. According to Eyre, there will be a DJ, food vendors, along with family and children activities.

“It’s just a fun evening. People come and bring picnics and have fun,” Eyre said.

The celebration begins at 6 p.m. with a rain date of July 5.

Donations are currently being accepted. Donations can be mailed in or made in person at Naugatuck Savings Bank, 87 Church St., Naugatuck. Checks must be made payable to the Fourth of July Fund. The Parks and Recreation Department has also set up a Pay Pal, which can be accessed at www.naugatuck-ct.gov, for donations.

Major sponsors of the event, who contribute $250 or more, will have their names displayed during the festivities. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (203) 720-7071.