Memorial Park Reports 'Successful' J4; Profit Expected

Visitors to Morrisons Cove Memorial Park's annual Fourth of July Celebration did not let coronavirus derail their excitement.

With so many events around the region cancelled due to COVID-19, the park's board of directors and Executive Director Chuck Gojmerac wanted to try their best to provide family fun entertainment in a safe way.

"The park board and I were happy that we were able to provide some sort of programming event during this COVID pandemic," Gojmerac said. "We received quite a few positive comments about the layout and the social distancing that was available each evening for our food vendors and musical entertainment."

Ten different non-profits and small businesses sold food and drinks for attendees' entertainment. Musical talent entertainment also entertained the crowd nightly. The annual agricultural parade ran through Martinsburg on June 30.

"The final receipts of revenue from the food vendors is not due until the end of the month, so at this time we are not sure how successful we will be financially, but we expect to realize some sort of profit from the event when all the dust settles," Gojmerac said.

The cost of the fireworks shows were completely covered by five large corporate sponsors: Curry Supply, Teeter Insurance Group, News Printing Company, Reliance Bank and Ritchey's Dairy.

"Without their generosity, this [fireworks] show would not have continued this year," Gojmerac said.

"Finally, we would like to thank our Cove neighbors for coming out each evening to grab a good bit to eat and enjoy our musical entertainment," the executive director said.

Next year will mark the 100th birthday of Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. Gojmerac said plans are already underway to improve upon the park's offerings during the J4 celebration.