RUMFORD – If people don’t come up with at least $12,000 by the end of April, there won’t be any fireworks for the July Fourth celebration.

Eddie Shurtleff, chairman of the Moontide Water Festival Committee, said the selectmen’s Feb. 7 decision not to appropriate money for the event may mean no fireworks.

“I was surprised at the action,” Shurtleff said Tuesday afternoon.

The town has often provided at least $10,000 to go toward the event, money taken from cable television franchise fees. A majority of selectmen voted not to appropriate the funds because money is tight this year and they believed it shouldn’t be used for fireworks.

After learning of the board’s decision, Shurtleff contacted other area towns that sometimes contribute to tell them not to budget for the event.

The monthly Texas Hold ‘Em game has also been canceled because too few people have been taking part, he said.

The committee has about $2,000 to go toward the festival and fireworks.

“Our committee won’t go into debt for it,” he said.

However, letters to businesses have been sent out asking for donations, and people also are welcome to donate.

If a minimum of $12,000 is raised by the end of April, then the committee will sign a contract with the fireworks company, Telstar Fireworks of Jaffrey, N.H.

Although Shurtleff is disappointed that the town didn’t contribute, he said he plans to submit an initiated article for the town meeting warrant for $25,000. If approved, that money would be used for July Fourth 2009 festivities.

And if the committee raises some of the $12,000, but not all that the fireworks company requires as a minimum, that money, too, will go toward the 2009 fireworks and festival.

Shurtleff said a meeting of the Moontide Committee is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Area Driving School at 34 Exchange St. At that time, members will decide whether to go ahead with a festival, even if fireworks aren’t a part of it.

“If the people want the fireworks, they will have to come up with the money,” Shurtleff said.

To make a donation send checks to: Moontide Water Festival Committee, P.O. Box 372, Rumford, 04276.