Since 1938, the Celebration Association’s Fourth of July parade and fireworks extravaganza have made a name for themselves in the borough.
But the Independence Day traditions are being threatened by a decrease in donations.
According to Suzanne Maull, longtime member of the association, members began fundraising for events such as the Halloween parade, Christmas tree lighting and Independence Day celebrations by collecting funds door-to-door.
“As the years passed, we no longer went door-to-door and used the mail to collect donations as well as charging at the gate for the fireworks,” Maull said in an email, adding the organization now only takes a donation for fireworks instead of charging at the gate.
The Celebration Association does not want to revert to charging people to enjoy an Independence Day celebration, she said.
Every year, the organization hopes to receive a small contribution from a majority of the residents, association president Pat Vogdes said.
Out of 4,000 households in Haddonfield, approximately 400 have contributed to this year’s festivities.
With the growing population and decrease in volunteerism, Vogdes said it is difficult for the organization to collect funds like it used to.
According to Vogdes, organizations that have largely contributed to the parade in the past have lost membership, which has also hindered participation.
There are clubs that “haven’t entered any type of entry for several years,” Vogdes said.
The fireworks performance costs $25,000 for a 30-minute show, while the bands for the parade cost $6,500.
The association has approximately $20,000 more to raise just to fund the fireworks, Vogdes said, but the fight to keep the tradition going isn’t over.
This year’s parade is dedicated to the tricentennial, following the theme of “Let’s Party Like it’s 1713.”
Local organizations and communities join the march down Kings Highway in themed attire, alongside decked out floats and bicycles.
Families and neighborhood and organization groups enter the parade to be judged on how well their group can represent the theme.
Yet another setback caused the organization to cut back on judging groups.
“When we started getting less funds, we had to eliminate those categories,” Vogdes said.
Although large contributions have helped match event costs in the past, every penny counts, Vogdes said.
The fireworks are set for Wednesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. on Haddonfield Memorial High School’s field.
There is more to the event than a fireworks display. The Shore Thing, a 50s to early 70s cover band, will begin a performance at 7:30 p.m. and a special green guest will also make an appearance.
People will line Kings Highway for the parade, watching as participants stroll by on Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m.
“What we want to try to create is memories for children,” Vogdes said.
All members of the community are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit www.haddonfieldnj.org/eventsfourth.php#parade.
Any organizations or individuals interested in making a donation should visit the website www.haddonfield-celebrations.org/Home.html.
