Toms river's america 250 fireworks celebration is happening tonight after council's failed plan to cancel it

The township’s America 250 celebration will feature live music, family activities and fireworks after a council dispute over funding was resolved.

Toms River, NJ – Toms River residents will gather Tuesday evening at Shelter Cove Beach for the township’s America 250 celebration after a political battle over funding and scheduling nearly prevented the event from taking place.

Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick had to fight hard against backlash from four council members who sought to sink the celebration. They argued that Toms River residents can simply go to other towns to celebrate, because “We’re not in the entertainment business”, according to Council President David Ciccozzi.

Unrelenting, Mayor Rodrick convinced one of the dissenters to change their vote, to allow the party to go on as planned.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food trucks, bounce houses and American-themed giveaways. Austin City Nights will take the stage at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m. The Toms River Recreation Department encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. A rain date is scheduled for Wednesday.

Event survived council plan to cancel

The celebration moved forward after weeks of disagreement between Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick and a majority of the Township Council over funding and scheduling for the event.

Council members David Ciccozzi, Thomas Nivison, Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley initially voted against a resolution that would have adjusted the event schedule, arguing the township was not in the “entertainment business.”

Mayor Rodrick countered that the fireworks display and entertainment had already been contracted and paid for, warning that canceling the event would waste taxpayer dollars. He also called canceling fireworks for the nation’s 250th anniversary “un-American.”

Vote reversal cleared the way

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The dispute ended when Councilman Thomas Nivison changed his vote after Rodrick pleaded with the council for a change of heart, allowing the resolution to pass and ensuring the celebration could proceed as planned.

The event is part of Toms River’s recognition of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature live entertainment, family activities and a waterfront fireworks display at Shelter Cove Beach.

Key Points

Toms River’s America 250 celebration will be held Tuesday evening at Shelter Cove Beach.
Austin City Nights performs at 7 p.m., with fireworks scheduled for approximately 9 p.m.
The event proceeds after a Township Council dispute over funding was resolved with a key vote reversal.

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