Politicians To Pour At Fullerton Fireworks Fundraiser

This article was written and reported by Parkville-Overlea Patch Local Editor Nick Gestido.

The Fullerton Fireworks are back on this year after being cancelled due to a Baltimore County field renovation project, and the all-volunteer group that puts on the show is hosting a fundraiser Thursday night to make sure they go off without a hitch. 

Beginning at 6 p.m. June 20 at Skipjack's, 7703 Belair Road, local politicians will be pouring drinks to support the Independence Day extravaganza. 

Fireworks organizer Rick Swinder said that Sen. Kathy Klausmeier and Del. Eric Bromwell will be behind the bar, serving patrons to raise cash for the fireworks show. Councilwoman Cathy Bevins may also be present. 

In addition to the guest bartenders, the restaurant will be running dinner specials: $9.99 for crab cakes or a half-rack of ribs, Swinder said. 

The Fullerton Fireworks will get a percentage of food and drink sales during the fundraiser, and will also host a raffle and Chinese auction to help pay for the show, Swinder said. 

Raffle tickets, $1 each or $5 for 6, will be sold during the fundraiser for a drawing to be held on July 4; the winner gets a bushel of crabs, 5 pounds of shrimp and a case of beer, according to fireworks organizer Donna Bethke. 

Tickets can also be purchased directly from Bethke by emailing her at ptavon@comcast.net.

People will start to arrive at Fullerton Field, 4304 Fullerton Avenue, around 5 p.m. July 4 for the celebration. Awaken, a local band, will perform from 6-10 p.m. with the fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9:15 p.m. 

Now in it's 51st year, the Fullerton Fireworks show is expected to draw as many as 25,000 people from northeastern Baltimore County to the neighborhood.