The Medford Celebrates Foundation Trustees, along with their crew of volunteers, is preparing for Medford Township’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 6 p.m. in Freedom Park.
Each year, up to 30,000 regional residents attend Medford’s Independence Day Celebration. This year, the festivities will include live music featuring pop and rock band No Commitment, a kid’s activity zone and a variety of food trucks and other vendors selling a selection of food and treats.
It’s been eight years since the Medford Celebrates Foundation was formed, a nonprofit corporation that raises funds and public support for major township public events requiring township services. It has been a primary mission for the foundation to raise funds to support special events in Medford, specifically the Independence Day celebration and fireworks display, according to the township.
It made a return seven years ago after being cancelled for two years due the township’s inability to fund the event through its municipal budget. The continued cooperation of local residents and sponsors is responsible for the annual continuation of this event, according to the township.
“Hosting an event of this size for thousands of South Jersey residents and visitors costs money and takes a team of dedicated volunteers,” said Bob Egan, president of the foundation. “Admission is technically free, but we are asking every family to contribute even a dollar for each family member who comes to watch, so that we can help assure that we can keep the fireworks going in the future.”
The Medford Celebrates Board has announced that ShopRite of Medford is again returning as the presenting sponsor, covering a large portion of the cost to produce this event. Columbia Bank of Medford is also returning as the stage sponsor. Polymer Solutions, Inc. is back as the vendor’s concourse sponsor, and the YMCA of the Pines is again sponsoring the kids zone activity area, according to the township.
Other area businesses that are returning as sponsors include Medford Fitness, the Archer Law Firm, Padden Cooper, LLC CPA’s, PJ Whelihan’s Restaurants, Medford Ford, Bob Meyer Communities, Century 21 Alliance/Meyer Realty, Radwell International. Inc., Ivy Rehab and the Y.A.L.E. School.
All who attend the event can make their donations at tents and tables at Freedom Park, or by visiting the foundation website www.medfordcelebrates.org.
More information about the event, including directions, parking locations and weather contingencies, can be found on the town’s website, or the foundation’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. Be advised that in the event of threatened inclement weather, a decision will be made by 5 p.m. and will be announced on social media. If it is raining, the fireworks show may be delayed past dusk, and in all events the park closes and must be cleared by 11 p.m. The rain date for the event will be on Friday, July 5 at the same location.
