MARION — Hundreds headed to Silvershell beach on Saturday, July 1 to play spike ball, listen to the Marion Concert Band and of course watch fireworks light up the sky.

Despite fundraising efforts falling short in the past, this year’s strategies to raise money for the event included super bowl squares, a golf tournament and shirt sales according to Marion Fireworks Committee member Derek Tiago.

“Last year went really well and we assumed it was because we hadn’t had the event in two years prior,” said Tiago referring to fundraising for the event. “We did just as well this year.”

Tiago said that the Marion Fireworks Committee hopes to bring other events to Marion to raise money for the annual event including a 5K and field day.

“We are hoping that with the generosity of the town plus the additional events that we bring in it will be enough to host the event on a yearly basis,” he said.

After securing a spot on the beach, families searched for festive goodies like glow sticks and light-up wands to celebrate.

 Young entrepreneur Bowen Moore saw this need as an opportunity to give back by selling popsicles, waters, glow sticks and masks to spectators out of a cart.

“I got my dog at an animal shelter and I really love my dog so I thought I would give them something back because they blessed me with him,” he said. 

Moore said that all the funds he raised selling his goods will be donated to Lighthouse Animal Shelter in New Bedford in honor of his beagle named Chester.

Like most audience members, four-year-old Kenny Russeau  was especially excited for the grand finale. 

“I really like [fireworks] that are shaped like smiley faces,” he said. 

Others, like eleven-year-old Sophia Crippin, were anticipating the food. 

“I’m definitely excited for the slushies at the snack shack,” said Crippin, whose favorite slushy flavor is blue raspberry.