Group Photo of participants at the Fireworks Press Conference *Photo by Paul W. Wang

Cornucopia Cruise Line: Riverboat St. Charles, Perth Amboy 5/4/18 •

*Photos by Paul W. Wang

Addition of Boat Parade 

to Kick-off a Festive Night

PERTH AMBOY & SOUTH AMBOY – The kick-off press conference for the Fireworks Spectacular was held at the Cornucopia Cruise Line: Riverboat St. Charles, Perth Amboy on Friday, May 4, 2018. This year

Fireworks Spectacular will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 (rain date July 5, 2018). Once again, Barry Rosengarten will chair the Celebrate Stars & Stripes Committee. Perth Amboy City Council President Bill Petrick  and South Amboy City Council President Mickey Gross will serve as cochairs.

WCTC’s Radio Personallity Bert Baron was Master of Ceremonies.

Chair Rosengarten welcomed everyone. “It is only because of you – the real stars who are our sponsors. You care about the communities of South Amboy and Perth Amboy. The Waterfronts of South Amboy and Perth Amboy are great to visit year round. Last year, close to 60,000 people viewed the fireworks. Garden State Fireworks will be here again. This year, we will have the First Annual Stars & Stripes Boat Parade. It will consist of all the local Marinas and yacht clubs in our Raritan Bay sphere. The parade will include sailboats and maybe the possibility of a tugboat. The tour will go around the coastline of Perth Amboy past the railroad bridge and past South Amboy. It will be not less than 50 boats. I think it will grow into something greater than that. The Raritan Bay serves so many: commercial, industrial, recreational, fishing, sailing, etc.” He thanked the yacht clubs and the marina and invited anyone in the area who owns a boat to participate.

The invocation was given by Msgr. John Gordon and a buffet lunch was provided.

The Master of Ceremonies Bert Baron came up as the music from Rocky was played. Baron thanked Mickey Gross for suggesting the theme song from Rocky for his walk-up music. “I like the addition of the Boat Parade. I was here for the first time (when the fireworks were revived).” He mentioned the beautiful view. Last year, Diaz invited the Deputy Mayor of Newark. I was afraid they would steal our ideas.” He then introduced Mayor Diaz.

Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz came up to speak, “It’s great to see everyone.” She thanked Bert Baron for what he has done for both of our communities. She also thanked everyone including B.A. Adam Cruz and her staff, and the sponsors for their generosity. “Perth Amboy has much to offer. The Waterfronts have been restored.” She thanked both the corporate sponsors and the small businesses.

“I believe that the fireworks create a lasting memory. This event was spearheaded by Barry Rosengarten.” She also thanked Barry Rosengarten’s personal assistant, Yolanda Flores. “Yolanda is an amazing woman. Our community is important and on July 4^th we will have the ringing of the Liberty Bell.”

Diaz then added that entertainment and food vendors will also be a part of the fireworks celebration. “We look forward to working with the sponsors. We also ask those in attendance to share the news that we have a GoFundMe Account. It’s about both cities celebrating our freedom and the foundation of our country. Remember those men and women who fought for our freedom, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” She then introduced “Our friend and partner: South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry.”

Mayor Fred Henry surprised everyone by saying that South Amboy is the third largest city in Middlesex County. (the only other two cities are New Brunswick and Perth Amboy). He introduced South Amboy’s new B.A. Glenn Skarzynski and Co-Chairs Gross and Petrick. He also mentioned City Engineer  ark Rasimowicz, OEM Mark Herdman and Businessman George Gonzalez. He also thanked Bert Baron for what he has done for both cities and the listening communities. Henry mentioned not only do the sponsors contribute to the fireworks, but  they also contribute year round.

“This is a great partnership between both communities. The Fourth of July represents the spirit of the United States. George Washington, Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson – part of our legacy is part of that. I thank all of those who fought for our country. We love this great country. The boat parade is a great idea. The more people who get involved, the more ideas that come up. It’s family orientated and there’s good things happening in both cities.”

Mickey Gross then stated: “There is no fireworks without Barry Rosengarten! Barry makes it happen! Yolanda Flores is the best! Who would of thought in a million years that the two cites would get together.” He thanked both Mayors, their OEM’s, their staff, and those who work behind the scenes. He also mentioned that WCTC will have a boat in the parade. He also recognized special friend Jay and Dorris.

Gross also mentioned former NBA Star and 1968 Perth Amboy Basketball Team Champ Brian Taylor. “He’s doing great things for kids in sports. You have my support 100%”

Rosengarten then came back up to recognize the Yacht Club, Noelia Colon and Irving Lozada from the Maryor’s Office, Junel Hutchenson and Randy Convery from the BID. “There’s only one Yolanda Flores. She was in the office until “11:30 p.m. last night.”

Rosengarten then recognized the Boat Parade Co-Captains Gary Rumpf and Jeff Steuber and also Baykeeper Bill Shultz. 

Chris Santore from Garden State Fireworks briefly spoke next, “We’re deeply honored to be part of this event. My brother Auggie will take care of you. It’s a challenge – so much work. We get support from so many businesses and we want to raise the bar. We’re really excited about the boat parade.”

Rosengarten showed his appreciation to the Santores and he wanted people to know that it was Coast Guard approved and everything is being done in a properly orderly fashion.

Bert Baron made closing remarks, “This is a great times to make friends with someone who has a boat. He also thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their work.

There was a bag giveaway for the sponsors.