Rockville Centre renews Grucci fireworks contract

Another year, another Grucci fireworks show. At the village board meeting on May 9, trustees renewed Rockville Centre’s fireworks contract with the famous family known for spectaular pyrotechnic displays.

The vote was unanimous for a one-year, $20,000 contract, assuring the event will be held in Centennial Park at Mill River on Saturday, July 9 — or the rain date of Sunday, July 10. As it has every year since 1993, the display will take place on the weekend after the Fourth of July, in celebration of the anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Rockville Centre.

“I would like to thank [Village Administrator] Mr. [Frank] Quigley for his hard efforts,” said Trustee David Krasula, who promised an enhanced display for the summertime spectacular.

Mary Beth Kearns, the fireworks celebration director, said that the show will be better than ever. She has worked to raise funds for the event in conjunction with Wayne Lipton of the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts and its South Shore Symphony, which performs every year at the village party.

Quigley negotiated with both the Grucci family and a possible alternate provider, Bay Shore Fireworks, after the Grucci contract expired last summer. The Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts is leading the financial campaign for this year’s celebration, and hopes to raise $40,000 from sponsors.