Annual summer carnival and fireworks gets underway
Date: 6/23/2009
It's that time of year again. The Jaycees' Summer Carnival and Fireworks are almost here. This year's carnival will run June 30 through July 3 at Veterans' Memorial Field. There will be rides, entertainment, food and fun for the whole family.
The Jaycees work year round on this event which kicks off the town's annual Fourth of July celebration.
According to Jaycees' President Todd Mackechnie, this year's carnival is ready to go. "We have live nightly entertainment, great rides, traditional carnival food and so much more. There is something for everyone to enjoy," Mackechnie said.
The live entertainment includes June 30: Old School Band; July 1: The Lynn Barsalou Project; July 2: The Guzzo Band; July 3: Opie Reid and the East Longmeadow All-stars.
On July 3 at 10 p.m. the Jaycees will delight spectators with what promises to be the biggest and the best fireworks display in East Longmeadow history.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, Singer Potito Associates and new this year, Williams Distributing, the Jaycees have been able to continue the annual display.
Six years ago, the Jaycees committed to one final fireworks display as the costs of the display as well as the police, fire and school fees charged the Jaycees for this event were skyrocketing. The entire cost of putting on the display exceeds $20,000 annually.
It was at that time that Ted Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools together with his friend Michael Potito of Singer Potitio Associates decided to seek out the Jaycees and pledge their support of the fireworks. Hebert was shocked to find out how much the prior years' displays had cost and not only pledged financial support to the display, he also brought a new fireworks company to the Jaycees. He assured the Jaycees that this company would bring the fireworks display to a new level and it did.
Instead of decreasing their financial support of the fireworks in this difficult financial time, Teddy Bear Pools and Singer Potito Associates were committed to bringing East Longmeadow a great fireworks display and continued their very generous support of the event. "Without Teddy Bear Pools and Spas and Singer Potito Associates, the East Longmeadow skies would remain dark this July 3," stated Maureen Basile, co-chair of the 2009 event.
The Jaycees are still short on funds for the fireworks and will be placing collection canisters around the carnival and fireworks grounds. We are asking for the community to also partner with us in bringing fireworks to East Longmeadow.
The fireworks are a tradition in the town which the Jaycees want to continue.
"It's also a spectacular finale to the East Longmeadow Jaycees Summer Carnival," said Mackechnie. "Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, Singer Potito Associates and Williams Distributing are partners in this great event and we could not give this town the display it deserves without their incredible support. On behalf of the Jaycees, I would like to thank them for their continued support and friendship."
The Jaycees Summer Carnival runs June 30 through July 3. The hours are:
- June 30: 6 - 11 p.m.
- July 1: 6 - 11 p.m.
- July 2 :6 - 11 p.m.
- July 3: 6 p.m. - midnight
Pay one price bracelets will be available nightly.
