By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, Register Correspondent
jean.sos@snet.net

DERBY — The Fire Department and Adams Supermarket are helping ensure the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display doesn’t fizzle out.

For a few weeks, volunteer firefighters have set up their apparatus outside Adams Super- market and are selling hot dogs, with the proceeds going to the fireworks fund.

Due to the poor economy, the city did not budget the $11,000 it takes to put on a pyrotechnics display.

And today, the community can continue to do its part by simply doing their grocery shopping at Adams, 656 New Haven Ave.

Five percent of shoppers’ grocery bills between 6 and 10 p.m. will be donated to the 2010 fireworks fund. The purchases from “Shop for a Cause” will exclude beer, cigarettes, Western Union, money orders and postage stamps.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri praised Adams and the firefighters for helping keep a city tradition alive.

“For the good of the community, Adams and the Fire Department have stepped up, which is awesome,” Staffieri said. “If everyone continues to give a little, we’ll have a great display. ”

Staffieri said the event draws upward of 20,000 people downtown. The fireworks are launched in conjunction with neighboring Shelton’s fireworks display.

“I remember my parents taking me downtown when I was a little boy to watch the fireworks,” Staffieri said. “It has gotten to be such a big family picnic, and it’s all about family and friends getting together. In this economy, people need to have something to look forward to and enjoy.“

The event is free. Continued...

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First Assistant Fire Chief Jim Butler said the mayor asked the department to step up.

“The mayor asked if the Fire Department could help with the necessary funding as to not burden the taxpayers, so we did; this is what we do,” Butler said.

“I do feel the firefighters who volunteer their time to keep the city safe should be commended for their efforts above and beyond.”

Aldermanic President Kenneth Hughes said about $4,000 has already been raised. “The volunteer firemen stepped up and are doing an incredible job,” Hughes said.

To make a donation, send checks payable to City of Derby to City of Derby Fireworks Display, 1 Elizabeth St., Derby 06418. Put “fireworks fund” in the memo.

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