20th Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza!

The Skies to Light Up over Capitola by the Sea

By Noel Smith

After a year’s hiatus, the Monte Foundation under the Directorship of Marc Monte resumes its Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday, October 11 in Capitola. The move from Seacliff State Beach to Capitola was due to rising costs and a need to change the personality of the event.

“We tried a new format at Lake Tahoe for the past two years,” Said Marc Monte, “And it worked great! We raised lots of money for their local schools on a completely voluntary basis. No selling tickets, no booths or vendors, no outside entertainment, Just fireworks for everyone to enjoy!”

Similar to Capitola, the Tahoe area has lots of restaurants and other visitor-serving businesses. These businesses in Tahoe voluntarily donated a portion of their sales for that day to the foundation, which then donated its profit to the local schools. “We signed up all these restaurants and stores,” said Monte, “And when it was all over, they gave us checks. There was no contract or oversight, just a promise and trust and a great crowd coming out to watch our fireworks.”

According to Monte they, have gotten great support from most of the businesses and restaurants along the Esplanade and in Capitola including Zelda’s, the Britannia Arms, Margaritaville, the Fog Bank and Shadowbrook. “It’s our first year” said Monte, “And I still get people asking about booths and tickets and musical groups, and I tell them, ‘No, it’s just fireworks. Enjoy the show!’”

The Monte Foundation has pledged to contribute the money raised to the new Capitola Skateboard Park. “Our goal is to raise $50,000 towards the construction of the new park on McGregor Drive,” Monte said, “This is our first year so that may be optimistic but that’s what I am, an optimist. People around here have always been generous when it comes to good causes.”

Deluxe Foods of Aptos is the linchpin of the Monte family generosity. “We believe in giving back to the community and having fun doing it. It’s been a tough time for small businesses like ours and those of my friends, but we are still here and we want the community to benefit from the support they have given us over the years. That is why we want to give to the next generation through their schools and school activities.

It’s a way of ‘Paying it Forward’ by giving to young people to help them get a good start.”

Event Sponsors: Deluxe Foods of Aptos • Holcomb Corporation • Elyxir Distributing • Arrow Citrus • Zelda’s • Tony’s Fine Foods

So pack a snack, bring your beach or camping chair, bring a friend and/or your family and head for Capitola Beach, or the wharf, or the bluffs surrounding Capitola by the Sea and enjoy the wonder, awe and majesty of the 20th Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza above Capitola on Saturday, October 11 at 8 pm (approx). And don’t forget the “Ooohs” and “Ahhhs” as you look skyward.

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Poster Artist: Lynn Jaye

Born and raised in London, England, I started painting at age five and continued my studies at the Central School of Art and Design and the Camden Arts Centre in London. After studying and working, I embarked on a worldwide tour, stopping in many places to study, paint and work. Traveling through Asia opened my eyes to color, and when I arrived in California I continued studies in art and design, working as an interior design consultant before becoming a full-time artist.