Those who were anticipating another spectacular fireworks display in Lower Chichester tomorrow are in for a disappointment. The Township Administrator announced the town’s 4th of July fireworks show is canceled due to a lack of money.
“In good conscience, the township could not ask people for donations,” said Township Administrator Joseph Possenti Jr. to the Delaware County Times. “There are so many people unemployed and hurting. It would not have been the right thing to do at this time. We are trying to figure out different ways to raise money for future fireworks displays.”
The Delco Times reports Lower Chichester does not use taxpayer money to fund its fireworks show. Instead a special committee normally funds the show using private donations from people and businesses as well as proceeds from an annual golf event.
Commissioners President Rocco Gaspari Jr. told the Delco Times he refused to ask anyone to help foot the $18,000 bill in light of the closure of the Sunoco and ConocoPhillips refineries.
“How could we possibly justify spending taxpayers’ money on a fireworks show?” said Gaspari to the Delco Times. “Some people are having trouble putting food on their tables for their families. Our job is to do what’s best for our residents and I believe we are doing just that. Hopefully, things will be different next year and we can find a way to fund the event.”
