Go Fourth Lewes seeks donations toward July 4 fireworks
Go Fourth Lewes is seeking donations from the public to fund its 2022 fireworks display over the bay off Lewes Beach at dusk, Monday, July 4.
Organized in 2017 after the state fire marshal put an end to free-form family fireworks on Lewes Beach, Go Fourth Lewes comprises a group of private citizens committed to making fireworks fly every Fourth of July in Lewes. Go Fourth Lewes presented its first display in 2018, and popular events followed in 2019 and 2021.
Organizers, led by Chair Russ Palmer along with Co-Chairs Ted Becker, Debra Evalds and Paul Evalds, work with the City of Lewes, and local police, fire and streets departments, in addition to state and county agencies. The fireworks cannot happen without support from these agencies and organizations, and Go Fourth pays for any additional expenses incurred.
The fireworks are not funded by the City of Lewes, the Lewes chamber or any other organization, and Go Fourth Lewes raises all the money for the $75,000 evening of fireworks provided by Schaefer Fireworks from Ronks, Pa.
Extra expenses include portable bathrooms and extra cleaning staff for bathhouses, plus almost $20,000 for the barge the fireworks are launched from, an essential public safety feature of the Lewes event. Launching over the bay keeps the fireworks away from people watching on the beach, and lessens vibration and noise for those on land, including family pets and local wildlife.
Donations from local citizens and businesses are essential to help Go Fourth Lewes cover the fireworks and many associated expenses. Donors are listed and thanked on the Go Fourth website, and donor support from all over the greater Lewes area and beyond is greatly appreciated. Event planners are asking all who enjoy the fireworks to make a donation in any amount.
To donate online, go to gofourthlewes.org. Checks can be made out to Go Fourth Lewes and mailed to Go Fourth Lewes Fund, c/o Greater Lewes Foundation, P.O. Box 110, Lewes DE 19958.
For details about logistics including getting there, traffic, parking and watching the fireworks, go the the Info and Viewing page at gofourthlewes.org.
