Fireworks over the Delaware River at the Camden waterfront in 2022.
A Fourth of July fireworks display next week in Cherry Hill will be particularly special: It will be the town's first in 10 years.
"I knew people would be happy about it (but) the response from the public has exceeded my expectations," said Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher.
The town's 10-year fireworks dry spell started with concerns over safety because of the crowd attracted to the display at Cherry Hill High School West, according to a media report at the time. Cherry Hill's police chief in June 2014, William Monaghan, recommended against a fireworks celebration and the Township took that recommendation, the report stated.
Since then, other administrations have had different priorities which prevented those fireworks from returning, Fleisher explained in a recent interview with 70and73.com. He said bringing back July 4 fireworks has reinvigorated the community's pride.
Cherry Hill is one community of several commemorating the Fourth of July with fireworks (see below for a list). Mount Laurel is holding its first-ever Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
In Cherry Hill, the gates at Jonas C. Morris Stadium at Cherry Hill High School West, 2101 Chapel Avenue, open at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, Fleisher said, adding food trucks will also be available starting at that time. A concert by the local band Masquerade — whose website indicates it plays contemporary and classic hits — will begin at 8 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
If it rains, everything moves to Friday, July 5, Fleisher said.
"We do not have the final (expense) figure yet," Fleisher said. "But this event is being fully funded by private sponsorships."
According to the Township website, parking is available at the school and nearby Jefferson Health Management Center at 2201 Chapel Avenue. Shuttle buses and additional parking will be available at the Cherry Hill Municipal Building at 820 Mercer Street, the Cherry Hill Commerce Center at 1800 Chapel Avenue and the St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church at 615 Mercer Street.
A 70and73.com sampling of other celebrations
Camden
Wednesday, July 3. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at Wiggins Park, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden. The display is part of the Independence Day at the Freedom Festival event sponsored by Camden County and the City of Camden. Gates to the Freedom Festival at The Camden Waterfront will open at 5 p.m. The festival will include a musical performance on the Roland Traynor River Stage by Tara Hendricks at 6 p.m. and the Gin Blossoms at 8 p.m. Food and beverages will also be available.
Evesham
Thursday, July 4. Fireworks begin at dusk, about 9 p.m., Savich Field, 510 East Main Street, Marlton. Overflow parking will be available at Gibson House Community Center at 535 East Main Street and the Indian Spring Golf Course at 115 South Elmwood Road. Gates open at 6 p.m. and DJ music, food trucks and ice cream vendors will be available. Earlier in the day, the Evesham annual 5K run or 1 mile run/walk begins at 8 a.m. and children's bike parade begins at 10:30 a.m., both starting at 26 East Main Street, and the annual parade begins at 11:15 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue.
Medford
Wednesday, July 3. Fireworks begin at dusk, about 9 p.m., at  Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford. Overflow parking will be available at the Medford Police Station at 91 Union Street, Medford Medical Center at Union Street and Jones Road intersection and the 10 other sites listed on the township’s website. Raindate: Saturday, July 6. Food trucks will also be available.
Mount Laurel
Wednesday, July 3. The township’s fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. at Laurel Acres Park, 1045 South Church Street. Food trucks, a live band, first responder displays and children's activities will be available starting at 5:30 p.m.
