No Fireworks At Summer's End If Sponsors Don't Come Forward Soon

Last year at Summer's End concert, fireworks were set off while the Navy Band played the always-popular 1812 Overture. It was only the second time Summer's End has included fireworks. Organizers would like to have fireworks again this year ... but only if a sponsor or sponsors step forward to cover the approximately $5,000 cost.  

"Unless we can come up with a corportate sponsor or sponsors … we will not be having fireworks this year," said SAFO board president Patrick Craft. "We would love to bring it back this year."

The music part of the annual late-summer event, on Friday, Aug. 30, is mostly settled. The Navy Band will return. Sequestration cuts do NOT affect the Navy Band's ability to appear at Summer's End because it is based at the Naval War College.

In addition, The Hurricanes trio (locals Dana Wronski and Stephen and Carol Reale) will be back. More EG-based acts will be performing, including Harold Ambler and The Ghost Notes. In the "pretty sure" category are The Three Amigos (also local) and Color of London (which played the Odeum a few months back as part of an Alex & Ani promotional video). 

Craft said there will be some changes to the way the field is set up this year. 

"For the significant donors, we are looking at enhancing the significant-donor experience," he said. In particular, the VIP tent will be moved closer to the stage. 

In addition, they will be limiting access to the field until 3 or 4 p.m. on the day of the concert. 

"Last year, we have had issues with people showing up early putting their stuff on the field, while setup was still going on," said Craft. "We just want to make sure the field is ready to go and to limit liability."

Summer's End also has a spiffy new logo, following a logo contest that ran over the winter. 

"It was a tough decision but the logo contest was won by Fallon Boegemann," said SAFO board member Lisa Sussman. The new logo is attached, right.

Also new is a plush fleece blanket that is available to all donors of $250 or more. You can donate here. SAFO is also looking for volunteers to help before the show and on concert day. If you are interested, click here. Finally, Pat Craft said there are a couple of openings on the SAFO board. If you are looking for a way to get involved, you can contact him at pcraft731@gmail.com.