Funds Still Needed for Annual Fireworks & Beach Party

The following press release was submitted by the .

While plans are continuing for the — which will be held on Saturday, June 30 — the committee is still in need of a significant amount of donations to cover the costs of this year’s show. 

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 484 and the will once again be celebrating the upcoming Independence Day holiday early with the 12th Annual Fireworks/Beach Party celebration.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 30. The festivities will once again include another fun-filled day of food, music and live entertainment, which will begin at noon and continue right up to launch time (approximately 9 pm). The rain date, which will be fireworks only, will be Monday, July 2.

The event for the first time is taking place on a Saturday, which was requested by many of the residents who regularly attend. In addition to musical performances, which will begin at noon, WPLR-FM 99.1 will be on the adding to the entertainment.

Food vendors and concessionaires are welcome. Please contact Deputy Police Chief John Mannion at (203)-466-3697 for permits and other related information. Limited spots are available on a first come first served basis. Food will also be available from the and , both of which are located on Cosey Beach Avenue.

As a reminder, street access to the beach will be limited beginning at 10 am.  Cosey Beach Avenue will be closed from the intersection of Second Avenue to Philips Street. Similarly, Coe Avenue will be closed from the Bradford Street intersection to the beach. The will be posting notices and directing motorists in and around the general vicinity of the town beach.

Although the fireworks are presented in a cooperative effort with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 484 and the Town of East Haven, the majority of funding is obtained from private businesses and some personal donations.

To that end, donations may still be mailed to VVA Fireworks 2012 c/o Bernie or Annarose Russo, 41 Hobson Street, East Haven, CT 06512; or delivered to the Mayor’s Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512.

(Editor's Note: This post was originally published on May 5.)