2026
Events of the Sassafras!

How this came to be

Once a bustling, arguably-overcrowded river, the natural and economic local events of 2008-2012 destroyed the local boating culture we all once knew. We, as a community, enjoyed annual 4th of July fireworks and an accompanying parade, started and put on by Ronda Bolinger of Outstanding Marine and Ted Parish, steward of Nellie Crockett. The local marinas, restaurants, and small businesses contributed heavily financially and made for an excellent, busy weekend. Post 2012, some contributions stopped and financials, coupled with competing shows, necessitated the need for our fireworks show to be hosted Labor Day weekend. Stacy Shirey, Angella Neddo, and Austen Parish took over the fireworks and parade in 2018 as new energy was needed to combat ever-limited funding. 

In 2024, Austen spearheaded a docking contest and river days in hopes of creating a new support system to bridge the fireworks funding gap. With a better-than-expected turnout of nearly 2200 people, the docking contest was able to double the fireworks budget, curating Stacy's ability to create the "best fireworks display anywhere on the bay in years," and concreting a new, fund event for the area that all can be involved in. 

Two small groups of locals comprise the backbone of both the docking contest and Labor Day fireworks. It is our hope, as members of the community, that more will volunteer and get involved in some way and help in creating events for all to attend and enjoy!