Beachwood Fireworks Mark Fourth Of July, Borough's 100th Birthday

BEACHWOOD, NJ — Beachwood's annual Fourth of July fireworks on the Toms River has always been a good show. But there will be an extra added display this year, in honor of the borough's 100th anniversary, Mayor Ronald F. Roma said.

Beachwood police, the CERT team and volunteers will start posting temporary "no parking" signs on many of the streets very soon. Every Beachwood police officer traditionally works a shift, and this year will be no exception, the mayor said.

“We have an understanding with the police department,” Roma has said. “Nobody takes off on the Fourth of July.”

Once upon a time, all the little towns on the Toms River each had their own fireworks display. But that tradition slowly disappeared, as the cost of insuring the events became too expensive.

Only Beachwood persevered. And the show will go on for the Fourth of July, as long as the weather holds up. The display should last 18 to 20 minutes, Roma said.

Many who live along the Toms River attend the annual Beachwood "Fireworks on the Toms River" every Fourth of July. The event usually draws around 10,000 visitors to this small borough. Beachwood Beach and the bluffs over the river are the best viewing spots, but the display can be seen as far down as Ocean Gate.

And many make the trip from Barnegat Bay and ride down the river to see the display from the water. The New Jersey State Marine Police will also be on hand, the mayor said.

The Patch will be broadcasting the fireworks through a Facebook Live event on July 4. Be sure to check the Toms River and Berkeley Patch Facebook pages for the live feed that night.

The fireworks are set off from a high bluff overlooking the Toms River. It's a good spot that can be secured, away from visitors. And it's a lot better than back when the fireworks were set off from a barge in the river, Roma said.

It costs the borough roughly $20,000 to put on the show. Much of the cost is underwritten by donations from organizations and companies like JCP&L and the Toms River Country Club, the mayor said.

But donations from other towns that benefit from the fireworks show and small donations are still welcome. Donations to offset the cost of the show can be sent year-round to Beachwood Fireworks on the River, 1600 Pinewald Road, Beachwood NJ 08722.

“The Beachwood Fireworks Committee is asking you to please lend your financial support by sending in your donation to help fund this spectacular show and share in making the Fourth of July awe-inspiring,” according to the borough website.

By Patricia A. Miller Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock