Zero Tolerance for Fireworks Shenanigans

In a never-ending quest to turn this year’s July 3^rd KaBoom fireworks spectacular in a family friendly affair, a nebulous approach that, so far, has meant charging folks for what has always been free and committing to an increased police presence, Red Bank’s council approved a resolution Wednesday night calling for maximum penalties against any would-be troublemakers.

Mayor Pat Menna said the resolution, a zero-tolerance policy, would not require the borough to change any of its statutes or regulations. The resolution would merely ensure that the maximum fine and penalty be pursued against violators committing, as he called it, “antisocial” behavior.

It’s another move for both the borough and the committee, which both have taken up the task of fighting back against rowdy behavior that led to numerous arrests for fighting and public intoxication during last year’s festival.

Councilman Mike DuPont said fines would reach as high as $2,500 for various infractions, such as underage drinking or public urination. Previously, the range of the fine was, well, more subjective. Not so any more.

The resolution was not on the meeting agenda and was added at the start of the meeting without the public’s attention.

The annual fireworks show, which KaBoom Committee member Danny Murphy said is tied for second in the nation in number of fireworks coming in just behind New York City’s July 4^th show, has seen increases in the number of attendees for years. Last year’s total was estimated at more than 100,000.

Along with the huge crowds has come some trouble. Red Bank police were pushed to the limit last year and incurred overages of more than $40,000 for overtime, and other expenses, during the event. KaBoom paid off the accumulated police tab earlier this year.

Murphy said that along with the crowds, the cost of operating the fireworks show has also escalated. There aren’t more fireworks, he said, just more costs associated with, among other things, keeping the peace. He estimated the cost of this year’s show at about $300,000.

For the first time ever, a viewing fee will be charged to those who want to watch the show from Riverside Gardens. The council made a motion of support in May allowing the KaBoom Committee to charge a fee at the site.

All this, event organizers and the borough’s committee said, is to engender a greater feeling of community and family friendliness at the event.