GREENFIELD — With Independence Day just a week away, Recreation Committee members are looking for more donations to make sure fireworks, fun and festivities go off as planned.
Members want to raise money before the city’s Fourth of July celebration scheduled for Friday, July 6. The committee members can be seen asking for donations along the Main Street this week from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.
According to Recreation Director Christy Moore, the city needs to raise $18,000 a year for the fireworks. So far, they have raised about $6,500, with roughly $500 of that coming within the last two days of collecting, Moore said.
Local businesses are in on the action, too, with collection canisters located in establishments throughout the city, according to Moore.
In addition to these funding sources, Moore said the Recreation Department has received sponsorship from local businesses, including Byrne Towing, Goly’s Garage and Gilmore and Farrell Insurance Agency.
The fireworks and celebration are expected to begin at Beacon Field at 4 p.m., with performances happening until the fireworks begin at 9:35 p.m.
These performances include Irish dancing from Celtic Heels School at 5:15 p.m., the Greenfield Military Band at 8:30 p.m. and “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by Charlemont native and country singer Holly May beginning at 9:30 p.m.
The Fortin Family Award will also be given out at 7:10 p.m. The award, given in honor of Tina and Ken Fortin, is given annually to recognize an individual or family that has provided outstanding service to the Greenfield community.
A rain date is scheduled for July 7.
A reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled on the Greenfield Town Common for Wednesday, July 4, from 9 to 10 a.m. Among those planning to be part of the event is Dr. Scott Lively, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
Brattleboro’s Independence Day celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, July 4, and will include a parade marching through the downtown beginning at 10 a.m. Festivities and music will continue throughout the day until fireworks light up the night sky at Living Memorial Park, starting at 9:30 p.m.
Also on July 4, the town of Amherst will also be holding its annual Independence Day celebration, set to begin at 5 p.m. at McGuirk Stadium at the University of Massachusetts. The event will feature hot air balloon and carnival rides, food and music, with fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. Parking costs $5.