By Beth Ann Visceglia
I WAS DEVASTATED by the recent news that the Red Bank fireworks have been cancelled for 2012, but I’m not surprised. I had a feeling this day would eventually arrive. I have watched how Red Bank continually proves to be its own worst enemy. It works tirelessly to drive business out of Red Bank more than it does to enhance it. It’s not about the money with the fireworks. My guess is that Red Bank just sees it as a headache. This is preposterous and the tragedy isn’t that this Fourth of July will be without fireworks; the tragedy lies in the fact that Red Bank has decided to give up on progress and has settled for mediocrity.
As a lifelong resident of this town, I grew up as Red Bank began its transformation from a town that no one wanted to be associated with to a town where everyone wanted to be a part of its success. And now, that same town is turning people away every chance it gets. Every fun event that used to define the town has been characterized as a nuisance that the local authorities are trying to weed out.
Over the years, my brother, sister and I have lived away from Red Bank as our lives have taken us all over the globe. However, no matter where we are living each year – whether it’s in Long Branch or St. Thomas – we have made the annual pilgrimage back to Red Bank, for every single July 3. What started as a simple get-together years ago with a few friends from high school has blossomed into the most anticipated event of the year. Friends from all over (literally we’ve had guests fly in from across the U.S.) travel to attend the Visceglia Family July 3rd Party and KaBoom! Fireworks. We are probably one of the most supportive groups of spectators, purchasing tickets in Marine Park for everyone at the entire party. Two years ago, our rowdy crowd was featured on the local Metromix website for our festive attire and patriotic demeanor.
Now, the one event that has brought us all together year after year, is being taken away. Is this what Jersey is known for? Compliance and passive behavior? I must be thinking of the wrong state because if I recall correctly, New Jersey is known for its feistiness, its edge, and its perseverance. I can’t believe that a few hurdles and challenges would cause someone to make a decision to cancel a longstanding tradition. It’s so unpatriotic. Tell me you haven’t watched the fireworks from Marine Park and felt proud to be an American, and moreover, a Jersey local. If Red Bank feels the need to just throw in the towel because of fundraising and logistical issues, then it’s not the same town that I grew up in – a town where I was taught that progress and growth have unlimited potential.
This isn’t about the fireworks. This isn’t about the downtown or the businesses. It’s not about the cotton candy, the glow sticks, the barbeques, or the riverfront. This isn’t about any of that. This is about tradition. This is about a town that has seen so many ups and downs, and revivals, and has always come out on top, even at times when it shouldn’t have. This is about making progress, moving forward, and showing the rest of the country that even in a down-economy, we are Americans, we are proud of it, and nothing stops us from celebrating our independence, honoring the men and women who have defended our freedom, and proving that in New Jersey, anything is possible.
Red Bank may cancel the fireworks this year, but the Visceglia family tradition will continue. Everyone is invited to join us at our humble Red Bank home to celebrate the independence of our beloved country. Those who were responsible for cancelling the event,… well, I would be lying if I said you were welcome to attend.
