As the anniversary of the nation's birthday approaches, a longtime tradition in the Abingtons may be coming to an end.
After 25 years of hosting a Fourth of July party famous for its food, games and fireworks, the Rotary Club of the Abingtons announced this year's show, scheduled for June 30 at Abington Heights Middle School, may be the last if support does not improve.
With less than a month remaining until the national holiday, the club still needs about $5,000 in donations to offset the $15,000 to $16,000 cost of the show. If that amount isn't reached, the club has no choice but to put an end to the event, said Edward Nuzzaci, a director for the club in charge of planning for the show.
"Right now, we've probably raised about half of what we've raised in years prior," Mr. Nuzzaci said. "If we lose $5,000, we're not going to be able to give the different scholarships to students in the area, and we won't be able to provide the community with this wonderful event."
In past years, revenues pledged to the annual "Friends of the Rotary Club" sponsorship campaign helped to cover the bulk of the expenses, but with the down economy, organizations and municipalities in the Abingtons have cut back on support.
"I think people are willing to give, but the economy is hurting a lot of the businesses," Mr. Nuzzaci said. "We understand the situation; we're just asking for as much support as they can give us so we can continue with this great event."
Having attended the fireworks for more than 15 years, John Hambrose, the president-elect of the Abington Rotary Club, said he finds it difficult to imagine July 4 without the fireworks show. But he also understands it's not feasible for the club to continue to finance the event when its not getting enough support.
"It's all translated into an event that we're not certain is going to continue in the future," Mr. Hambrose said.
Members of the Abingtons Rotary Club won't be the only ones disappointed if the tradition doesn't continue.
Residents of the Abingtons, including Jennifer Brock, 50, tend to associate the event with some of their fondest family memories.
"We have four children and we've been going to the fireworks since my oldest child, who is 19 years old, was born," Mrs. Brock said. "Some of our favorite pictures of the kids are when they are sitting under a blanket, waiting for the fireworks to start as the sun sets behind them."
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.comHow to help
Contributions may be made payable to the Rotary Club of the Abingtons and mailed to the club at P.O. Box 392, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.