Endings and Beginnings

Marc Monte looks to the future for the Monte Foundation

By Noel Smith

Each October for the past 18 years, the community has come together to enjoy fun, food and fireworks at the Monte Foundation’s “Fireworks Extravaganza” in order to raise funds for local schools. No more.

Marc Monte announced this year that there would be no more. “It had run its course,” said Monte, “People had lost interest and every government entity had their hand out. It was costing us $40,000 just for permits and fees.”

Monte told us, “I was able to put on a fireworks show at Lake Tahoe this past Labor Day with just nine days notice with no political hassles and raised $20,000 for the community. Next year I’m confident that we’ll be able to raise that to $100,000 with lots of community cooperation and no fuss. We raised the money through a local restaurant that provided a surcharge on all their sales as a donation. Next year we’ll just sign up more businesses.”

When asked what plans he had for this area Monte said, “We’ve had some discussions with the Wharf to Wharf people. A Fireworks Extravaganza in the bay off Capitola or Santa Cruz would make for a great event the night before the race. We both have the same goal, to raise money for local schools and sports. It’s a natural partnership.”

The yearly Fireworks Extravaganza has come to an end … or has it?