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06/27/2023 12:02 PMMADISON
The town’s renowned fireworks display is set this year for Sunday, July 2, and organizers expect the typically large crowds and a show that will dazzle. Several street closures and parking restrictions will be in play for the event, and organizers recommend utilizing the free shuttle service to enter and exit the celebration conveniently.
Diana Hartman, fundraising chair for the nonprofit Madison Fireworks Organization (MFO), said the board members are indebted to the town for its support in ensuring the show is a success. The MFO bears the costs for the fireworks, and the group strives diligently all year for private donations from Madison residents and businesses, according to Hartman.
“The catchphrase is ‘Madison loves tradition,’ and one of the most exciting and fun traditions is the fireworks,” said Hartman. “Local people and businesses donate these funds every year to continue that tradition. Many people are under the misconception that the town pays for the fireworks, but they don’t. What they do help with, which is tremendous and without which we couldn’t present the show, are the Fire Department, the Police Department, the ambulances, and the rest is handled by our organization. We are incredibly grateful to the town for what they do and for their help.”
According to Hartman, without the dedication of the many volunteers who collaborate to pull the show off, there simply would not be fireworks.
“Madison is so geared for tradition. That is why we work really hard to promote it, and we can’t do that without the local help we receive,” Hartman said. “We are very grateful to the town, all of the support of the police and fire departments, the EMS, which is so critical for these types of events. Without the volunteer efforts of the Madison community and the business community, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Since 2002, the MFO has led the charge to raise funds for the event, which increases yearly, according to Hartman.
“Each year, the costs go up. This year, in fact, went up almost $8,000 from last year,” Hartman said. “And that is for the actual paying for the fireworks and doesn’t include other costs which are going up as well,” said Hartman.
According to the organization’s site, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the United States, members of the community were compelled to uplift the community.
“After the events of Sept. 11, 2001, many Madison residents and businesses felt it was important to continue the annual tradition of a July 4th fireworks display in order to honor our nation’s independence and maintain our community’s patriotic spirit. While fiscal challenges had forced the Town of Madison to eliminate funding for the fireworks, a group of individuals formed the MFO as a nonprofit organization and obtained federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to collect private donations and fund the annual fireworks display,” the MFO site states.
Hartman added why the event has become so important to the community. “We are celebrating life. We are celebrating the continuation of Madison’s heritage. Fireworks have always been a signal, a symbol, to celebrate. So, we want to say thank you and that we’re alive.”
The Town of Madison Annual Independence Day Fireworks will be displayed from a barge just south of the West Wharf pier on Sunday, July 2, at 9:30 p.m.
The best fireworks viewing is from the town beaches, East Wharf, West Wharf, and the Surf Club. Due to the large number of people who are expected at the event, everyone is encouraged to arrive early as there will be traffic delays, road closures, and parking restrictions. The rain date is Friday, July 7.
Fireworks Parking
Gate hours will be extended at the Surf Club Gate, East Wharf Gate, and Lowry from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Any resident or guest wishing to park for the fireworks at these lots will need a seasonal beach sticker or daily parking pass.
Parking at West Wharf will be prohibited starting midmorning on Friday to allow for the setup of the fireworks.
The town will run shuttle buses to the Surf Club on a continuous loop starting at 7 p.m. with stops at the Route 79 commuter lot, the Madison train station, and the Stop & Shop parking lot.
Road Closures
The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic at 8 p.m. on the evening of the fireworks: West Wharf Road (southbound), Surf Club Road (westbound), Middle Beach Road West (westbound), Island Avenue (southbound), and Middle Beach Road from East Wharf Road to Island Avenue.