This year we are planning a large traditional display on July 3, following the Horribles Parade. This mid-summer event ensures that Gloucester’s families and businesses alike enjoy a festive celebration of our country’s independence.
The Fireworks Committee, along with many hard-working volunteers, then move on to the summer’s Grand Finale, Labor Day Weekend. Complementing Gloucester’s Schooner Festival will be the spectacular Boat Parade of Lights, followed by what we hope will be this City’s best ever fireworks display.
Presently, committee members are hard at work coordinating Boat Parade logistics and designing the fireworks displays.
Now we need the financial resources to ensure that we can purchase the type and number of fireworks that both events deserve. Our fundraising effort is just beginning and we need your help. Please forward your most generous contribution and help us reach out goal. Contributions will be recognized on the City of Gloucester’s web site.
Donate now by sending a check to:
The Gloucester FundOr use the "Make a Donation" button below to make a credit card donation using Paypal.
45 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Please make a notation on your check, "Fireworks".
Please Note: 100% of your donation made by check goes directly to the fireworks fund. In order to offer donors the convenience of making a donation by credit card, your actual donation to the fireworks fund will be reduced by the amount of the PayPal service fee. PayPal charges merchants/organizations approximately a 3% processing fee, a normal fee for any merchant/organization that offers credit card payment convenience. You do not have to have your own PayPal account to use this service.
Mayor John Bell & Committee
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July 3, 2005
Photo by Steven Jenner
45 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
By Gail McCarthy
Staff writer
Gloucester fireworks will reach a new level this Labor Day weekend when the colorful explosions will be choreographed to music that will be simulcast over radio waves.
"We always wanted to do this. It will bring the fireworks to a new level," said Brent "Ringo" Tarr, a member of The Gloucester Fund, which benefits local residents.
"Because of the music and choreography, it will seem like a longer show." said co-member Barry Pett.
Only a few communities have begun to use this added element.
Those responsible for making Gloucester's annual fireworks dance are two fireworks masters, Warren and Holly Pearce. The North Reading couple are part of American Thunder fireworks, which choreographs more than 200 shows a year.
Two years ago, the Pearces designed a "Salute to the Troops" show in Boston Harbor, filmed to show American troops in more than 175 countries. They also organized fireworks for the America's Cup race in Newport, R.I. and the Democratic National Convention in Boston. They also do the Hampton Beach, N.H. fireworks all summer long.
The exact titles for the music in the pyrotechnics show are a secret until the night of the show. However, the organizers said the viewers would recognize the music.
"People from the area will relate to it, and it ends with some patriotic songs," said Warren. "The entire show is built around a concept. I listen to 1,500 pieces of music to put together a show."
Holly Pearce, of Dancing Sky, builds the finale.
"I want to make it look like it's dancing to the music," she said. "I put the big boom in."
In designing the show, the couple looks to choreograph high points and flow points of the fireworks to the music.
To hear the music, the audience is asked to bring AM/FM radios.
Residents can hear the music simulcast on AM 1450 and possibly FM 104.9, WBOQ. But the ability to use the FM band depends on the timing of the Red Sox game that night, which is broadcast on the same FM band.
That is one of the reasons the fireworks are scheduled to go off at 10 p.m.
Organizers encourage residents to remember their radios because the more outlets for the music, the more intense the effect.
"The hard part is to get people to bring their radios," said Pearce. "Every show I've been to, people always walk away saying, 'I wish I had brought my radio.'"
Organizers also encourage the owners of the many boats in the harbor to bring their radios to blast the music. Speakers will be set up along the Boulevard.
"People will talk about this for weeks after," said Michael McLeod, a Fireworks Committee member. The only foreseeable problem, according to organizers, will be the higher expectations that viewers may hold after seeing this kind of show.
The Labor Day fireworks on Saturday night, which began in 1993, have turned into one of the many events in what Gloucester Fund committee members say is now the busiest weekend of the summer with the Schooner Festival, Boat Light Parade and fireworks.
Money needed
The Gloucester Fund needs to raise about another $10,000 to complete the fundraising for the 2005 fireworks. The city's two fireworks shows, on the Fourth of July and Labor Day, cost roughly $30,000. People can make a tax-deductible contribution by credit card on the Gloucester Fund Web site at www.thegloucesterfund.org. Donations also can be made by contacting any committee member or by mailing a check to the Gloucester Fund/Fireworks Fund, Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester, Mass., 01930.
Two special events are scheduled this week to benefit the fund: Friday, the annual Boat Light Parade barbecue, open to the public, will be held at the Cape Ann Marina from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, a special musical show featuring Souls of the Sea, with Allen Estes and Fly Amero, as well as other musicians, will run from 3 to 11 p.m. at Capt. Carlo's on Harbor Loop. A voluntary cover charge is being asked that goes to the Fireworks Fund. But with that cover, people will receive a CD titled "Gloucester Always Gloucester" by Hank Fellows, a New York City songwriter, and a light-up button to wear. A raffle will also be held. Organizers pleaded that if every person gives $1, that money would go a long way in raising the money.