Lack Of Funds Cancels Legion Co-sponsored 4th of July Fireworks

July 4, 1981

……………………………………For the first time since 1939 the 4th of July fireworks show didn’t happen due

to lack of funds. Middleboro Park Superintendent Joseph Masi said the American Legion Post 64

normally co-sponsors the fireworks, but the $5,000 set aside by the town had been cut from the

budget at town meeting.

…………… “I didn’t like to see the lack of celebration any more than anyone else,” Masi said.

…………… “Over the years, the funds are usually voted on and set aside for the American Legion to

provide the annual fireworks display. Some money, about $100, was set aside from those funds

for the program next July,” reported the Park Superintendent.

………….. Masi further stated, “It’s quite a job planning and staffing for the holiday events.

The park Department supplied the personnel and supervision right up through the fireworks

display.” He added that the cleanup after the Fourth was “sometimes a job in itself.”

…………. Harold Tower, Jr., of the American Legion said the Legion is hoping to hold some raffles

and other programs during the coming year to help raise funds to reinstitute the annual

holiday program next July 4.

…………..There were never really any big problems on the Fourth, even with large crowds, Masi

acknowledged. “Most of the problems were minor like drinking and the throwing of illegal

fireworks. The biggest thing that did worry us was that someone might be injured by those

fireworks,” Masi said.

…………Police Lt. Arnold Salley noted that this was perhaps the quietest Fourth of July he could

remember in his 15 years on the force.

…………Both Masi and Legionnaire Tower hope to return the fireworks to the playground next year.
.......(Gazette article by Charlie Perry…….Posted by Bob Lessard Historian 2014)