The Family Fourth of July celebration at Waveny, one of New Canaan’s most cherished annual traditions, needs the assistance of the community in order to continue to be great each year, according to the volunteers who oversee it.
Grabbing a piece of the lawn at the New Canaan Family Fourth 2015 at Waveny. Credit: Michael Dinan
Contrary to popular belief, the picnic and fireworks show is “funded entirely by the donations for passes,” according to Steve Benko, who sits on the Family Fourth Committee.
“Whether you drive your car to the park or you walk in, we encourage everybody to buy a pass because it supports the fireworks,” Benko said.
The fireworks themselves, as well as entertainment and logistical teams, are paid for out of a standalone fund, and the event is run by a volunteer committee. This year, food trucks also will sell food at the Family Fourth. Unlike other towns that rely on tax dollars or company sponsorships to cover the costs of their firework events, New Canaan counts on the community to make the event special each year, according to Tom Stadler, chairman of the New Canaan Family Fourth Committee.
The New Canaan Town Band gets ready at the New Canaan Family Fourth 2015 at Waveny. Credit: Michael Dinan
Over the years, the significance of an entrance pass to Waveny on the fourth has been skewed. Now, it’s common for people to think that the pass is only necessary for a parking spot at Waveny.
Stadler’s message to the New Canaan community is: “Buy an entrance pass. We can only put the show on if we sell 2,000 passes at $35 a piece. It’s up to everybody to support this.”
Entrance passes can be purchased online as well as at Benko’s office at Waveny House, Walter Stewart’s Market, New Canaan Toy Store or Town Hall.