By Stephen Appezzato
RED BANK – The Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center Foundation (HMRMCF) Board of Trustees will host a fireworks display on the Navesink, lighting up the night sky over Red Bank Monday, July 3. The fundraiser will benefit Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center.
An annual tradition, the fireworks display in Red Bank “goes back more than a decade,” according to Riverview Medical Center’s chief hospital executive Tim Hogan.
Many Two River residents gather along the Navesink River to witness a dazzling light show and commemorate the Fourth of July with a bang.
“I’ve been seeing the fireworks since I was a kid,” said Steve Schondel of Cardner’s Barber Shop, reflecting on fond childhood memories of gathering with friends along the riverfront. “We enjoyed it (the fireworks), it was a kickoff to the summer,” he said. This holiday, fireworks will begin between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m.
In 2012 the borough revealed it would no longer host its annual fireworks display due to rising costs, funding and public security concerns. “It was an electric night, it was a fun night, and it was taken away from us. In my opinion, Red Bank made it too big, they tried to make money on it – they couldn’t,” said Schondel.
The following year, HMRMC announced it would revive the local tradition, bringing fireworks back to the Navesink while raising money for the medical center.
For those who would like the best seats in the house, tickets to the HMRMCF fundraiser event at the DiPiero home, located along the Navesink River, can be purchased at givehmh.org/rmcfireworks. The fundraiser will kick off at 6:30 p.m.
“I think it’s a great thing that Mr. DiPiero does, it’s a great event for charity,” said Schondel.
Money raised at the event will go toward facility and equipment enhancements at Riverview Medical Center.
“Although the town is not able to host them, we are delighted that Riverview Medical Center can continue to put on a display that keeps the tradition alive while benefiting important causes at the area’s local hospital,” said Hogan. “We look forward to this event every year and are thankful to the community for their support and contributions to the festivities.”
The fundraiser is a “fantastic family event,” featuring a variety of food trucks, a delicious buffet and enter tainment for children, according to Margaret Riker, a member of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees and a sponsor of this year’s event.
“We are so pleased to open this event back up to the public this year,” said Jonathan Schultz, chair of the Riverview Medical Center Board of Trustees. “We are looking forward to everyone having an unbelievable experience with front-row seats to an incredible fireworks display, along with a host of food and beverage options to enjoy throughout the evening,” Schultz added.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I am thankful to all of our sponsors and to everyone who will join us in person in raising money for this important cause,” said Schultz.
The article originally appeared in the June 22 – 28, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
