DON'T BE A FIREWORKS THIEF - THEY ARE NOT FREE

Once again it is July 4th, and once again we want to urge you not to steal fireworks.

No, I am not referring to the small fireworks people blow off in the backyard, illegally I might add.

These are the big, high-in-the-sky, rockets red glare fireworks that will be shot off Friday night (weather permitting) at Memorial Park.

The independent July 4th Committee that runs the fireworks, and all festivities, charges $10 per ticket to sit in the enclosed area to view the fireworks.

Many people choose not to sit so close and pay nothing to view the fireworks. The fireworks cost $15,000, while the entire day of events -- circus, security, equipment, lights -- runs about $30,000.

Well, these are not free. And they are not paid for by the township, sponsors or some rich, generous person of wealth.

All of the events are paid for with funds provided by you and other residents. That's it.

So if you choose to go down by the park, blanket or chair in hand, and watch without donating the requested $10, you are stealing.

One of the great misconceptions about the entire July 4th day in Maplewood is that the events and fireworks, which run tens of thousands of dollars, are paid for by the township, county or some other government entity. Not true.

So if you want to enjoy these wonderful skyrockets in flight, pay your fair share.