Arts Committee Gets Increased Funding for Jefferson Day

The 25th anniversary of Jefferson Day is upon us this summer, and with the Jefferson Arts Committee’s hard work and an extra financial boost from the township, this could be the most exciting year yet. According to council member Michael Sanchelli, a pie-eating contest could even be on the agenda.

However, fireworks of a more traditional kind were among the issues discussed during Wednesday’s town council budget session that centered on funding for Jefferson Day.

“We are noted for our fireworks,” said arts committee member John Focacci. “We want to increase them even more this year.”

This year’s festivities will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fire Company No. 1 in Milton.

The committee also is in the process of booking The Robert Murdock Band to perform at the festivities. The band highlights variety of British Invasion hits, including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

“We are also looking to put two additional tents up caddy-corner to the stage, so people can sit in the shade to watch the bands,” Focacci said.

The committee is working to include as many groups as possible in the celebration.

“We’ve just sent out letters to all the churches in town, to invite their youth groups to participate,” said Carol Punturieri, another committee member.

The committee also is looking to work with any volunteer groups that could help to collect money from viewers who sit outside along Weldon Road to watch the fireworks, rather than coming onto the field and paying the admission fee.

“Any group that wants to help us collect money from those folks can keep half of the money they collect for their group,” Focacci said.

Some council members presented issues that they had heard from residents.

“Some people have told me that they don’t come to Jefferson Day because there are too many vendors, and it feels more like a flea market than Jefferson Day,” Sanchelli said.

Punturieri said that the committee has worked over the years to monitor the vendors.

Councilman Jay Dunham asked the group to be alert to attendance, and asked about past numbers.

“Last year’s attendance was down a bit because we had to change the day from Saturday to Sunday because of rain,” Focacci said. “And not having a parade lowered attendance too. But this year I think we can expect more because it’s such a big anniversary.”

When all was said and done, the council agreed to add $7,000 to the Jefferson Day budget for this year only, bringing the total from the usual $18,000 to $25,000.