Town steps in to save village's fireworks

The Town of Oyster Bay has stepped in to save a local village’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, which had been canceled due to budget constraints.

Massapequa Park leaders had decided to cease the traditional display at Mansfield Park, saying the $22,000 cost was hard to justify after a year with employee layoffs.

“I felt it wasn’t prudent, when that money could have gone to keeping people’s jobs,” said Village Mayor James Altadonna Jr.

In recent months, Massapequa Park searched for an event sponsor with little luck, the mayor said. But after hearing about the problem, Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto called Altadonna to pledge the necessary funds.

“It’s a pretty important community function,” Venditto said, noting that the fireworks aren’t enjoyed only by the village, but also by town residents who sit outside and watch from their homes. “I can’t think of anything more American than fireworks on the Fourth of July.”