JPA News

 A short time ago, JPA members were asked to vote whether to continue or discontinue funding Fourth of July Fireworks. This was not an easy question for members to decide. The annual Fireworks Display at Joe's Pond has been a tradition for many years, with the exception of one or two when it was deemed to be too expensive at a few hundred dollars. Recently the price has been going up just about every year until the display for 2023 would cost $12,500. An expenditure that large had to be put before the membership. 

The votes are in and the results were that 124  families (out of about 230 eligible to vote), responded and 73 voted to cancel fireworks next year and 51 voted in favor of continuing fireworks. 

This is a really big decision to make. The fireworks are enjoyed by many more people than those of us who live around the pond. People from surrounding communities come to enjoy the half hour or so display. At a cost of more than $400 a minute, that isn't really much bang for a buck (sorry - I couldn't resist!). People are thinking that there has to be a more cost effective way to celebrate our nation's independence. We just have to figure out how to do that.

The cost of fireworks have skyrocketed, both the initial cost in China and according to national reports, shipping costs  have quadrupled. Add to that the license fees, technical expertise and local transportation costs unique to transporting explosives, and you have a very expensive commodity. In response to these rising costs, fireworks companies have tried to be creative in the way they choreograph their displays and sometimes by also shortening the time --  instead of 30 min., 25 or 20 minute displays. This leaves us trying to find a better way to celebrate with our loyal fireworks fans.

A little history: In 1979, because of the cost - then less than $1,000 - the Joe's Pond Association membership voted to stop putting on a July 4th display. There were the usual individual displays, but no central location for a big show. Joe's Pond camp owner, Dwight Coffrin worked for Northstar Fireworks at that time, and he began putting on a display, independent of JPA. I believe Dwight had some individual donations to help with the costs, but even then, costs were going up, and in 1986, Dwight approached JPA to see if they would assist. The cost then was $1200. JPA began including a space for members to make  donations for fireworks along with their annual dues payments. As costs increased, the Ice-Out Contest was growing, and part of those proceeds went for fireworks. Now, at $12,500, the cost of fireworks has far exceeded the amount realized by the Ice-Out Contest. What a difference 40 years makes!

I'm sure the Joe's Pond Association Board of Directors would be interested to hear any ideas you may have on how we can celebrate the Fourth going forward. How about an all-day-into-the-night celebration so there could be something for everyone: a band concert, lighted boat parade, lighted waterfronts, free hotdogs and sodas? There are any number of possibilities, I'm sure. Be creative and send in your suggestions. Send to the JPA Board: jpavt111@gmail.com. We'll figure this out and still enjoy celebrating Independence Day -- and not being held hostage by China and the economy!