New 4-H Education Center director seeks to resurrect July 4th fireworks

NOVA 4-H Center Director Jeremy Stanford makes his case for a joint facility and dual municipally-funded July 4 fireworks display at the center. Photo/Roger Bianchini

On the job for just a couple of months, new Northern Virginia 4-H Education Center Director Jeremy Stanford approached the Front Royal Town Council on Monday, March 18, about resurrecting the Center’s July 4^th fireworks display. Due to organizational issues the event was cancelled last year.

In a proposal letter to Town Manager Joe Waltz dated March 7, Stanford explained he is approaching both the Town and County governments for contributions of $1500 to help fund the $10,000 event.

The request met with a mixed and less than enthusiastic reaction from council – “I think it’s become more of a county event – I haven’t made my mind up,” Councilman Eugene Tewalt said reflecting the divide.

Mayor Tharpe told staff to move a vote on the request to the next meeting agenda for a vote – “We’ll see what happens.”

“Many assumed the Town or County dropped the ball last year; they think the Town and County help put it on,” Stanford told council, adding, “Let’s make that true and have the fireworks be a joint venture from here,” Stanford suggested of future Independence Day events at the Harmony Hollow facility on the county’s near southside.

View Stanford’s case and council’s reaction in this Royal Examiner video: