Medford Celebrates Foundation, Inc. (“Celebrates”) and Medford Township have jointly announced that Columbia Bank has signed on to be the Main Stage Sponsor at the Township’s 2015 Independence Day celebration and fireworks display. Though a large share of the costs of staging the event will be covered by a substantial donation from ShopRite of Medford, who will again serve as the presenting sponsor, the stage sponsor contributes the funds to allow Celebrates to provide live entertainment throughout the evening, both before and during the fireworks show.
“Entertainment is a discretionary aspect of the event. You don’t absolutely need a band or a PA system to shoot off fireworks,” said Celebrates President, Bob Egan. “But, it has become an important part of the whole experience of Medford’s Independence Day celebration, just like the children’s activities that YMCA Camp Ockanickon of Medford provides.” Assistant to the Township Manager, Beth Portocalis, added, “For the past three years, many people have told us how much they enjoyed the musical performances, including local teen rock band, No Commitmentwho will be playing again this year. We are also adding a performance by The M-Town Jazz Ensemble.” In addition, local DJ and standup comedian, Bob Marsdale, will again serve as emcee.
Egan praised the Bank for its interest in Medford. “The stage and entertainment were touch and go, since we had obtained just enough contributions to put the event on without it, until the Bank stepped up and covered the costs.”
“As a true community bank, we are proud to sponsor events that build community pride,” noted Thomas Kemly, Columbia Bank’s President and CEO. “We believe in giving something back to the local towns that we serve.”
In addition to the contributions made by Shop Rite of Medford, Camp Ockanickon, and Columbia Bank, legal services have been donated by Archer & Greiner, P.C. of Haddonfield and Princeton, NJ and accounting services by the Medford-based firm of Padden Cooper LLC. Other sponsors are Polymer Solutions International, Inc., Radwell International, Inc., PJ Whelihan’s, Medford Ford, Bob Meyer Communities, Century 21 Meyer Realty, Rita’s Water Ice of Medford, Fusion Spark Media, Inc., The Pop Shop, Medford Fitness and the Y.A.L.E. School in Medford.
The 2015 Independence Day Celebration will be held in Freedom Park on Thursday, July 2, weather permitting. The park will open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin at dusk, approximately 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 3 is the rain date. Further information about the event can be found on Celebrates’ website at www.medfordcelebrates.org. Those interested in supporting Celebrates can make donations in person on the day of the event or on the website. Anyone interested in serving as a Trustee or assisting with events and activities can send an e-mail to info@medfordcelebrates.org or call Mr. Egan at (609) 519–0841.
