By Nicole Falco
The cancellation will save the village about $20,000 in overtime for the 40 or so employees who would be responsible for setting up and cleaning up after the holiday weekend event, but, according to Village Clerk Vinny Ang, that's not what drove the decision. "People have complained about the budget expense - that's a consideration, but the real reason is to give the neighbors a year off, [and] the employees need a year off to maybe spend time with their families," he said.
In years past, the event has attracted about 30,000 spectators from Valley Stream and surrounding communities. Guests who purchased tickets through the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, the event's co-sponsor, enjoyed reserved seating on the field. Besides the 25-minute light show, produced by Bay Fireworks of Melville, ticket holders had access to music and dance performances, clowns, children's rides and a food and refreshment stand run by a local community organization. Those without tickets enjoyed the show from the streets surrounding the field.
"People who stand outside [the field] while watching the fireworks tend to encroach on the neighbors' properties, and some of the people do leave refuse behind," said Mayor Edward Cahill.
The chamber, which pays for the fireworks display through ticket sales and local sponsorships, had hoped the village would reconsider its decision. Boris Klerer, chamber president, met with the mayor and the Board of Trustees on March 22, and had a second meeting planned for March 30.
"This event has been something that we've done more so for the residents than the business community, but many businesses do participate," said Klerer. "We would like the village to consider other alternatives. Let's look at the reasons why it can't be done and see if we can do it. It has been a tradition in the community.
The chamber is in the process of trying to get back the $7,000 deposit it paid to Bay in anticipation of this year's show, Klerer added. Lawyers for the chamber and the village are reviewing the contract in the hope of either getting the money returned or putting it toward next year's deposit.
"It will be back," Ang said. "It's not going anywhere."
The mayor agreed, "We're definitely looking at it positively for the following year."
The decision drew mixed reviews from residents interviewed by the Herald. "It's wonderful if you have company, but not if you go out and have to come home to it," said Susan Taddeo, who lives across from Firemen's Field. Taddeo said she feels like she has to stay home every year in order to protect her property. Though the village ropes off properties adjacent to the field, she has often found spectators sitting on her lawn, and others have parked in her driveway. "If it were every few years, I wouldn't mind that," Taddeo, a 25-year resident, said.
Josephine Tripodi, who has been living across from Firemen's Field for 13 years, agreed. "You have to be home," she said. "There are so many people, and they destroy your property. Don't get me wrong - it's a nice show. I usually have company, but it's a lot of work ... It would be a good idea if they did it every other year."
Ralph Acquasanta hopes the village changes its mind. "It will be a big disappointment to a lot of people," he said. "We enjoy it every year. It's one of the highlights of living in Valley Stream." Acquasanta's mother usually hosts a Fourth of July party at her house, which is just down the street from Firemen's Field.
Matt Smith, who lives on nearby Ann Street with his wife and three children, also expressed disappointment at the news. "There's no excuse for this," he said, half-jokingly adding, "We pay high taxes, and we demand they shoot the fireworks."
Comments about this story? NFalco@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
