Ocean Park Friends and Neighbors,

                A lot of you have been wondering what’s going on with the fireworks show for this year.  Our long pole in the tent was getting a barge and a pier to load fireworks.  We got a barge just before the deadline, but we were not able to get a loading dock to load the fireworks on the barge in time to get our Coast Guard Permit.  The Coast Guard requires a minimum of 60 days to file the permit, and we have passed that point.  So for 2010, there will not be a barge fireworks show out in the bay.  We only started this effort in late March of this year, and I’m confident that we will have time to get a barge and loading pier in plenty of time to make this happen for 2011.   

                However, I got confirmation today that here in Ocean Park we could have a beach based Fireworks show.  The permit applications are due to the city by the 3rd of June, so we only have a couple weeks to get the funding together.  We need $10,000.00 to pay for the fireworks and all the required permits, as well as delivery and cleanup.  I have seen an example of what kind of show Applied Pyrotechnics can do for that amount and I think it would make everyone happy.  The widest point of the Ocean Park Beach is by the access at Rockbridge road, so this is where we’ve targeted the show.  

                So here it is.  We have 10 days to come up with $10,000.00.  I have about $500.00 in the bank now, and pledges for $500.00 more.  By June 3rd I have to have the $10,000.00 in hand.  If you want fireworks on our Ocean Park beach this July 4th you need to either go to OPCL.org and donate money using the fireworks link, or drop off a check made out to OPCL fireworks committee at my house at 3920 Shady Oaks drive.  I think we can reach our goal for a beach show this year, but it we don’t, we’ll bank the money and use it towards next year’s barge show.  If we don’t hit our goal and you’d rather have a refund, let me know and I’ll make that happen.  All of you who have told me you want fireworks to happen, it’s time to step up and make this a reality.

 If you have any questions you can contact me using the below info.

Rick Mercadante

President, Ocean Park Civic League

mercadante@cox.net

460-3239

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