A township celebration featuring live music, fireworks, food trucks and family activities will take place Tuesday at Shelter Cove Beach after officials voted to preserve funding for the annual event.
Toms River will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary Tuesday evening with a free community event at Shelter Cove Beach featuring live music, fireworks, food trucks, bounce houses and patriotic activities for families.
The celebration, presented by Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick and Toms River Recreation, begins at 5 p.m. with food trucks, bounce houses and American-themed giveaways. Austin City Nights is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m.
Event survived proposed budget cuts
This year’s celebration comes after the event was nearly eliminated during the township’s budget process earlier this year.
During a May public meeting, Mayor Rodrick urged the Township Council to preserve funding for the annual fireworks celebration after Council President David Ciccozzi and Councilmen Tom Nivison, Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley supported removing funding for the event.
“We’re not in the entertainment business,” Ciccozzi said during the meeting while discussing the proposed budget reductions.
Nivison also suggested that Toms River residents could attend Independence Day celebrations in neighboring communities instead of the township hosting its own event.
During the vote to approve the event, Nivison, Bianchini, Bradley, and Ciccozzi all voted no, defeating the measure. Shortly before the meeting ended, Rodrick pleaded with the four dissenters to change their mind. He managed to convince one, reluctantly, David Ciccozzi, a downtown Toms River property owner who was pushing for people to watch the fireworks in nearby Beachwood later in the week, instead.
Mayor Rodrick argued that the annual fireworks celebration is a longstanding community tradition that brings families together and should remain part of the township’s summer schedule. Following public discussion, funding for the event was ultimately preserved.
Tuesday’s celebration at Shelter Cove Beach
According to Toms River Township, Tuesday’s celebration marks America’s 250th anniversary and will include entertainment and activities throughout the evening.
The township said the event will feature Austin City Nights beginning at 7 p.m., with fireworks immediately following the concert at approximately 9 p.m. Families can also enjoy food trucks, bounce houses and patriotic giveaways from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at Shelter Cove Beach and is open to the public.
Key Points
- Toms River will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary Tuesday with a concert, fireworks and family activities at Shelter Cove Beach.
- The event was nearly canceled during this year’s budget process before funding was preserved following debate led by Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick.
- Festivities begin at 5 p.m., Austin City Nights performs at 7 p.m., and fireworks are scheduled after the concert at approximately 9 p.m.