<p>The 40th anniversary of the annual Oak Bluffs fireworks display will be the biggest yet, and may be the last.</p>
The 40th anniversary of the annual Oak Bluffs fireworks display will be the biggest yet, and may be the last.
Fire chief John Rose confirmed Monday that this is the last year Black Entertainment Television (BET) will make a donation to the event. In 2012, BET Networks was the hero of the spectacle by making a sizable donation after the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association was unable to support the display alone and nearly cancelled the show. The BET donations continued for three years and have relieved some of the major financial strain of the event.
“Every year is a struggle,” Chief Rose told the Gazette. “We try to come up with solutions that don’t put all the burden on the firemen.” He said they would have to go back to the drawing board, and the decision for next year’s fireworks will come down to a vote from the association.
“It’s a tradition in our town, we want to see it keep going” Chief Rose said. “People have the ability to donate and help out.”
Proceeds from the display go to help injured Oak Bluffs firefighters and EMTs.
Firemen’s civic association president James Maseda said the annual cost of the fireworks is $40,000 to $50,000, but he confirmed that in the face of insecurity about the future, extra money was invested in the display this year.
“This year we did up the price of the show about by half of what we usually spend,” Mr. Maseda said, adding: “Once we’re done and we know all the bills are paid, we earmark one third to a half of what we make to make a deposit on the next year’s show.”
Chief Rose could not say exactly what percentage of the budget the BET donation contributes and did not want to speculate, but he did say: “[It’s] going to be a lot to make up.”
Mr. Maseda agreed. “It’s going to be a burden on next year, we know [the donation] is not coming in on top of what we make,” he said.
In an email to the Gazette Thursday, Gina Stikes, a spokesman for BET, confirmed that this will be the last year the organization will help fund the fireworks.
“When we learned four years ago that the fireworks show on Martha’s Vineyard would be cancelled, BET Networks was proud to jump in and support the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association that year. This year marks the fourth consecutive year we have helped to fund the fireworks and we look forward to a spectacular show this summer,” she wrote, adding: “BET’s primary focus for community outreach and support is centered around mentorship, health education and voter education. Although the fireworks show does not fall neatly into one of those categories, we were happy to contribute and show our support. After helping to fund the fireworks for three years beyond our original commitment, we very much hope that the other organizations who appreciate the Island as much as we do will show their support by stepping in and helping to carry on this tradition.”
Long considered a cornerstone event of late summer along with the Agricultural Fair and Illumination Night, the August show over Ocean Park is known for its spectacular pyrotechnics.
Oak Bluffs selectman Michael Santoro, who expressed shock at the thought of the tradition ending, said the association “made an announcement saying it was going to be a bigger show than last year,” in a meeting at the fire department last Wednesday.
Chief Rose agreed and promised, “It’s going to be quite a show.”
The fireworks show this year is scheduled for Friday, August 21.
Comments
Why would they stop funding
Jane Granniss Santangelo Marlborough CT. MV Summer visitor for many yrsWhy would they stop funding after this yr... What happened? Maybe somehow there can be some type of funding donation the weekend and night of the show..... Everyone wants to contine the show maybe they will all contibute.... Pass the hay the boot anything.... All the firetrucks could be a donation station for funding 2016 show. Hey anything will help. Just saying
Viacom had substantial
Simone PrattViacom had substantial layoffs this year. They are not having the annual Centric party at Lola's they have had with celebrity performances as well. That was 5 years running
Wow that party was very
DuckWow that party was very popular.
Do we have a figure here? How
GTU Oak BluffsDo we have a figure here? How much money will need to be raised?
Instead of asking why they
Amy Goldson Oak Bluffs, TCIInstead of asking why they would stop funding after 3 years, we should say , "THANKYOU BET for your generosity ". BET has no home here on the Island , no businesses ,and no private home owned by BET officers or directors . Their support of the Oak Bluffs fireworks for three years is wonderful. I hope that Island officials have articulated their appreciation to BET.
Good point, Amy.
O.B. Resident Oak BluffsGood point, Amy.
I agree that people should
CooperI agree that people should say Thank You to BET instead of WHY. However if I remember correctly there is a house on East Chop owned by someone very high up in the BET chain of command, perhaps even the top spot...
TOTALLY, Amy! we should be
BKLoverOfMVTOTALLY, Amy! we should be THANKING BET for funding not asking why not more? so entitled.
First off THANKS to everyone
Lee Ann Tavares OB/TauntonFirst off THANKS to everyone that puts this special event together. It can not be a easy task. As someone who has enjoyed the fireworks most of my life I was elated when BET stepped up in '12 to save the show!! I would like to help to raise the needed funds. How much is needed? Also, how many "man" hours? Perhaps a wish list could be published. I bet many people would be willing to help. Count me in!!
Has anyone looked into online
Island Mike MVHas anyone looked into online crowd sourcing? This is such a great event - thanks for the 39 years - looking forward to the 40th and let's work on a way to get to 41!
How about charging an
Cruz Oak bluffs ma,How about charging an entrance fee of $5.00 each to help make up the difference.... I would also be happy to fund raise for the event.
I was thinking crowd sourcing
Simone PrattI was thinking crowd sourcing or someone I know suggested asking...
THE NORTON FAMILY. Since it is in their front yard... Anyone consider asking them?!?
Set up a VIP area up front
Inky PeasSet up a VIP area up front with open bar, raw bar etc. and charge the big wigs big bucks to attend.
BET has been wonderful in
Skip OBBET has been wonderful in closing the gap for the OB Fireworks all these years and altruistically with no benefit to themselves. Many believe BET didn't want the amount they contributed to be made public and many of us who know them personally have thanked the executives responsible. There are several individuals who work with companies that may want to contribute in future years along with several private parties. And it might be fruitful to post how much one wants to contribute instead of requesting others to. Better still, contact the Oak Bluffs Fire Department and get an address where to send your check. Thank you Black Entertainment Television and Centric--we hope you'll be back in years to come!
this is our island and the
Deborah The Campgroundthis is our island and the close of our summers - we can do this. Thank you, BET, for your past support!
When I was a "Wash-a-shore"
Khazan NBWhen I was a "Wash-a-shore" working for the Vineyard Nursing Association, and Chief Amaral was a consumer of mine, rest his soul, I was told of all the things he did, and why the fireworks were founded. All that being said, I agree a thank you should go out to BET for continuing on the legacy because of all the good the donation has brought. In addition, if Viacom, according to Ms. Pratt has had lay-offs and can no longer contribute, than other means should be sought. In all that I have experienced and seen on the island, there are numerous financial investors that come to the island every year. I am sure if the seasonal vacationers whom own permanent homes on the island were made aware of the Oak Bluffs firefighters' firework cost, they would contribute. As mentioned by other commentators, the fireworks are a tradition after all.
I find the fireworks less
George Stein EdgartownI find the fireworks less productive than the Shark tournament. What's next ?
Will miss the fireworks.
Very Annoyed Vineyard HavenWill miss the fireworks. Thanks to BET for the funding! Too many good things are changing on this island! The Shark Tournament was great! The liberals are sucking the fun out of the island!
While I'd like to thank BET
Peter RIWhile I'd like to thank BET also let us remember all the volunteers from the OB Fire Association that have been coordinating for 39 years, they are the real backbone of this special event. Perhaps this is an opportunity to get additional corporate sponsorships so the event isn't so dependent on one benefactor. The crowd funding idea is also valid as I know many folks would find this convenient and easy. Where are the town fathers on this issue it seems they should be showing some leadership here.
Oh please don't segment a
Cin CTOh please don't segment a section of the lawn for high rollers.... Too much of that is already here, and diminishes all that is wonderful on the island. Remember when Possible Dreams was held where anyone could peek in and feel included? Don't treat the native Vineyarders feel like they are are poor relations... Of course there are ways to raise $$$ for this wonderful end of season inclusive event. Ask for help from soemof the folks who would sit in the special section. Are you listening Valerie? Michelle?
Chief Rose hired four family
RealistChief Rose hired four family members and failed to disclose this as required by law. The state ethics panel found this violation a few months ago. Perhaps BET felt community outreach funds should go elsewhere. Perhaps they didn't buy his argument that his family were the best candidates for the positions. They live in the real world, and old school Massachusetts politics don't fly back in America. I wouldn't donate either. Thank you BET for helping in good faith. Too bad Oak Bluffs let you down. You aren't the first to be burned.
Thanks BET/Centric for the
Dee CTThanks BET/Centric for the wonderful parties at Lola's and your contribution to the OB annual fireworks! In addition, I have wonderful keepsakes from each summer. OB please let us know what CT Summer Vineyarders can do for 2016!
Thnx BET. Don't give up on
Marty Freetown/VH smrresThnx BET. Don't give up on fireworks. Once people hear , grateful folks will step to the plate. There will be a 41st. You wait and see
Agreed to all.I hope this is
Kelli Oak BLuffsAgreed to all.I hope this is just a "chicken little" story. The fireworks display is a special time on the island. To take it away wold just be cruel and unusual punishment. It can be continued. Put n your thinking caps and figure out how. It wouldn't take much.
My wife and I have taken our
Ronnie Conway NantucketMy wife and I have taken our boat over to watch the best fireworks around and always look forward every year to this event. I hope the vineyard gets the funding they need to have this Best fire works display that I have ever seen continue.
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