Upper Township Schedules Early Fireworks Celebration at Amanda’s Field

Upper Township -- The township's annual fireworks celebration will take place a few days ahead of Independence Day this year, with the show scheduled for Friday, June 28 at Amanda’s Field. The event, typically held on July 4, was moved after the township received only one proposal for the original date. That bid did not include a rain date, which officials said made it a risky option. By rescheduling the show to an earlier weekend, the township secured a $16,000 contract with Schaefer Fireworks of Pennsylvania and ensured a backup plan in case of bad weather. The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. at Amanda’s Field, located at 10 Sunset Drive off Route 50. The fireworks display is expected to start shortly after dark.
Township leaders say the celebration will still include music and gathering spaces for families, just as in previous years. Moving the date may also work in favor of local residents. Officials noted that many people travel or work during the July 4 holiday, and holding the event earlier gives more people an opportunity to attend. Cost savings were an added benefit of not competing with other towns for fireworks vendors during the busiest time of the season. Ocean City, by comparison, is spending over $82,000 for its July 4 display, including barge rentals and additional launch dates. Upper Township has opted for a simpler, more flexible event that stays focused on community tradition.