Nazareth Days have traditionally been a time of community togetherness, beginning with sidewalk sales, the Friday Block Party, and Saturday's festivities at the Borough Park culminating in a wonderful fireworks show.
The fireworks have been sponsored by the Kiwanis and Vigilance Hose Company. These two community volunteer organizations provide service and wonderful events throughout the year for residents including the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Parade, and Carnival.
As many residents recall, it rained nearly every day in June, and this year's Carnival had maybe one day without rain. The groups made no money and when the final accounting is done they probably lost some.
As a result, on Monday at the Council meeting a single request was made by Vigilance Hose to restrict the commercially operated ice cream truck from selling in the Park, as the Kiwanis traditionally sell ice cream along with hot dogs and drinks. The intent was to boost sales and off-set the carnival with proceeds being immediately fed back to the community.
Councilman Heckman made a motion and when no fellow council-member seconded the motion, it died.
While one has to respect competition, I think Council failed in this instance when it chose to support a for-profit business at the expense of two volunteer, non-profit organizations, who give so much to the community, year in and year out.
The thought of no fireworks and no Halloween Parade, which our family and our neighbors have enjoyed so much through the years is disheartening and painful. I wish this matter could be resolved prior to the annual celebration, but have little hope in that happening as there is no scheduled meeting between now and then.
