SALEM - The Salem Patriotic and Memorial Association will hold a pasta dinner on May 16 to raise money for Fourth of July fireworks.
Caryal Emelo, president of the association, said this year's show at Waterworth Memorial Park will feature the All-American Freefall Team, the official representative of the famed The 82nd Airborne Division,
The team will perform at 8:30 p.m. just before the firework's show.
The fund raiser dinner will be held in the Memorial Building, 784 E. State St., from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and adults cost $6 and children three to 12 are $3, while children two and under are free.
Emelo and his brother, Daryal, have been involved with the association and the annual fireworks for about 10 years. The fireworks will be provided by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale based in New Castle, Pa.
Emelo said the display will cost $7,000 and between 4,000 and 5,000 people attend annually. The rain date is July 5.
Zambelli is known as the "First Family of Fireworks,"and is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies. The family name is synonymous with quality, creativity and safety.
The All-American Freefall Team is located at the "Home of the Airborne," Fort Bragg, N.C., and represents the 82d Airborne Division during military functions, exhibitions, special events and competitions, demonstrating individual, formation, and other precision freefall techniques.
Emelo said a four-member team will appear in Salem.
The 82nd Abn. Div. is trained to deploy anywhere, at anytime, to fight upon arrival. Every soldier is airborne-qualified, and is continuously trained under rugged and realistic conditions.
Although the Freefall Team is organized to serve the soldiers of the U.S. Army and Fort Bragg, demand for performances by civilian audiences continues to increase, due to the Team's growing reputation for professionalism, accuracy and reliability.