The Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza returns to Capitola Oct. 11, continuing a tradition that has grown from a fundraiser at Seacliff State Park into one of the area’s largest annual community celebrations.
Marc Monte and family
Marc Monte, president and CEO of Deluxe Foods in Aptos, started the event in 1996 as a way to raise money and give back to the community where his family has operated its grocery business for nearly five decades.
The foundation’s work extends well beyond the annual fireworks show. It has supported projects including the McGregor Pump Track and Skateboard Park in Capitola, the Monte Fields at the Aptos Polo Grounds and the Polo Grounds Bike Park.
“I like to do projects that help kids in the community,” Monte said in an interview last year.
Monte has also made plans for the foundation to continue that work after his lifetime. He said last year that he intends to leave his estate to the Monte Foundation, providing money for future community projects.
“It’s going to survive,” Monte said at the time. “My whole estate is going to the Monte Foundation.”
The fireworks tradition has personal roots for Monte. He recalled last year that when he was growing up, Capitola held Fourth of July fireworks shows that he loved attending.
Monte’s parents, Rudolph and Doris Monte, opened Deluxe Foods in Aptos in 1977. The store distinguished itself with high-end groceries, a floral department, bakery and an emphasis on customer service.
The first Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza was held at Seacliff State Park in 1996. Tickets were sold to the event, which became an annual tradition and fundraiser.
Permitting issues led to the show moving to Capitola in 2013, where it became a free event.
Monte said last year that the fireworks show costs him about $60,000, with the fireworks company also contributing to the display.
For Monte, the event is another part of a larger effort to reinvest in the community that has supported his family’s business for generations.
He described the fireworks show last year as an annual reminder that his family “did well and gives back to the community.”
•••
The show is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.