The Oak Bluffs fireworks display, a cornerstone of Island summer every August, will be cancelled next year unless the town finds a way to continue the show, the selectmen said on Tuesday night.
Selectmen said the firemen’s association, which organizes and raises the money each year for the huge fireworks display over Ocean Park, had taken a vote on Sunday to discontinue the show next summer.
Selectman and board chairman Kathy Burton vowed that her board would “fix” the situation.
“Apparently it takes about 1,100 hours of their time and the fundraising is very difficult and frustrating particularly in this economic downturn,” Ms. Burton said.
Selectman Mike Santoro said the Oak Bluffs Association, the town business group, is already taking steps to address the situation.
“We’re confident that we can continue it and keep it going,” he said. Mr. Santoro said possible solutions include privatizing the fireworks, recruiting corporate sponsors, fundraising on WMVY or hiring a promoter.
“It’s very important that we continue this somehow, it’s just part of the Island summer,” said selectman Walter Vail.
“I know we’re going to work it out,” added Ms. Burton.
Mr. Santoro said the vote at the fireman’s association meeting was 12 to 4.
This article appears in October 21, 2011.
Very sad…we gave what we could each year to the cause to support the event. I think it’s time for those among us with status, position and means to do something to preserve this much loved event
I have been coming to the island since I was a baby in 1969, and we always go to the Oak Bluffs Fireworks. It is an annual tradition that is part of our island vacation. Not only are they the best fireworks we see each year, but it is a social event where we gather with island friends each year. To loose such a tradition on the island would be a catastrophic mistake!