'Stars Over Montauk' Struggles to Stay Afloat

With just over a week until the annual July 4 fireworks, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce reports they have reached only half of their $24,000 goal, and that amount came mostly from a single donation.

“People don’t think about the fireworks as needy, but they are,” Laraine Creegan, the executive director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, said, as she outlined the ever increasing costs and the continuing battle to keep the tradition going.

Since the protection of piping plover nesting grounds has become a top priority among East End environmentalists, the East Hampton Village fireworks moved to Labor Day weekend, leaving the Montauk fireworks — launched from Umbrella Beach — the last public fireworks display on the South Fork to mark the nation’s birthday.

Though the chamber has attempted to cut back on expenses, limiting its advertising to a single mailer, every year is a struggle to keep the fireworks going. “It’s a bad year for events,” Creegan said, citing the need to compete for donations with the Montauk Lighthouse, the Montauk Playhouse and the new Indian Museum, as well as this being the year their five-year contract with Grucci fireworks comes up for renegotiation.

With many small towns doing away with Fourth of July fireworks due to prohibitive costs, Creegan views keeping the tradition alive as a patriotic duty. “It’s what summer is all about, the celebration of our country. We do it in a way that makes people happy and it’s a tradition," she said. "It’s these home town types of things that allow our children and our children’s children to get a sense of why it’s so important.”

Though in some past years, the chamber has simply requested only the help of businesses, this year the call goes out to residents, as well. 

Individuals who donate $25 will receive a Montauk fireworks hat, and donations of $30 will receive a Montauk fireworks beach towel or tote bag. Those who donate $75 or more will receive all three while supplies last. These items are distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Donations over $200 will be listed in a print ad in local newspapers. 

If you wish to make a donation to "Stars Over Montauk," you may visit the Montauk Chamber of Commerce website to make your donation.