The Hasbrouck Heights Fireworks Return in Honor of Longtime Resident Tom Mason

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ - It was a cool and comfortable summer evening for the 36th Annual Hasbrouck Heights Lion Clubs Fireworks at Depken Field on Thursday night. This year the event was held in memory of Tom Mason, the longtime resident and event chairman , who passed away in 2022.

People laid out blankets and mixed and mingled with neighbors. There were inflatable bounce houses for children.  Vendors offered ice cream, hot dogs, and merchandise.

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Ceremonies officially started at 8:30 p.m.  Dr. Jeffrey Mason, Tom's brother, was the MC for the evening. The National Anthem was performed by resident Carla Culkin. The invocation was given by Pastor Eric Dammann of Bible Baptist Church.

Hasbrouck Heights Mayor Ron Kistner explained how the return of the fireworks happened.

"There's one word to explain how this all came about. And that one word is love," he said. "The Lions Club loves our country, loves this town, and loves an individual who we're honoring tonight, who loved this town, and loved the country more than anyone."

"Tom Mason was a good friend of a lot of us. He's also Dr. Jeffrey's brother," Kistner continued. "And for years, we took this for granted because Tom did everything. So tonight when you're enjoying these fireworks, remember to say a pray for Tom."

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Dr. Jeff Mason shared some memories of this brother, Tom, who was the past president of the Lions Club and chairman of the fireworks event committee for over 20 years.

"He was passionate about his community and promoting Hasbrouck Heights as an ideal place to raise a family," he said.

Through the Lions, Tom advocated for the preservation of Woodland Park, where families could enjoy the outdoors. He served as a Major in the JAG Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves, and was an active member of VFW Post 4591 in town.

"The camaraderie of the Lions Club was very special to Tom as he was an effective builder and recruiter for new members," Jeff continued. "His gift was his service to the Lions Club and to the community of Hasbrouck Heights. For this, we will always be grateful."

Before the fireworks, the DJ played kid-friendly dance music including, "YMCA," "Sweet Caroline," and "The Cotton Eye Joe."

At 9:30 p.m., the field lights went out for the 30-minute fireworks display, accompanied by songs including "R.O.C.K. in the USA," "Born in the USA," and "Proud to be an American."

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