The Northampton Family Fourth Celebration is stepping up its call for donors ahead of its annual Fourth of July celebration, with the committee saying the event faces a “significant funding shortfall.”

According to a letter sent out earlier this month by the event’s Committee Chair Brenda Ryan, the committee is $25,000 short of its $30,000 goal to put on the event, which includes a fireworks show held in Look Memorial Park featuring food trucks, games and live entertainment that is currently in its 13th year.

This year’s event is scheduled for June 21 starting at 5 p.m. A rain date is set for June 22.

“The future of this beloved family event is currently at risk,” Ryan wrote in the letter. “Without bridging this funding gap, the 13th annual fireworks celebration will not be able to go ahead for 2025 or future years.”

Those interested in making donations can do so by visiting the committee’s website at northamptonfamilyfourth.com or to mail a check to the address: NFF, PO Box 60092, Florence, MA 01062.

Donors can achieve a variety of sponsorship levels depending on the size of their donation, with sponsorships ranging from $99 to up to $10,000. Benefits on donation size include recognition on social media (for donations $99 or higher), being named on the event’s T-shirt and website ($500 or higher) and having a company banner on stage and listed in all advertising ($5,000 or higher).

Ryan also urged residents to spread the word about the event and its donation efforts.

“With concerted community effort, there is hope that Northampton’s Family Fourth Fireworks will continue to light up the skies for years to come,” Ryan wrote.

Agna won’t seek reelection to School Committee

Northampton School Committee Vice Chair Gwen Agna has announced she will not seek reelection for another term as an at-large member, leaving the door open for one of the most influential positions on the committee.

In a letter to the Gazette published on March 18, Agna noted that she recently turned 73 years old and wants to focus more on her family.

“Birthdays for me are a time for reflection and this one led me to reprioritization, given how time is marching on,” Agna said. “I have granddaughters who are growing quickly — too quickly. And I look for joy in this broken world.”

A longtime former principal at Northampton’s Jackson Street Elementary School, Agna stepped down from that position in 2020 after 24 years of service, later joining the School Committee. Agna is also a published author, having written the children’s book “True You,” which explores topics of gender identity.

Agna said she would continue to serve the remainder of her term until December, after which a new candidate will be elected for the committee.

“I am grateful to the learning and growing I have experienced in working with all on School Committee,” Agna wrote. “The members are dedicated public servants who care deeply about Northampton’s students. Our community needs to celebrate them and all who choose to serve as elected officials.”

Jersey Mike’s coming to King Street location

Jersey Mike’s, the fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in custom-made Italian sub sandwiches, appears to be headed for Northampton.

The franchise’s website lists Northampton among the chain’s locations, with the store’s future hours of operations listed as “TBA.” The address for the location is listed as 303 King St., the property that also sports a Starbucks and an Aldi’s grocery store.

Frank Colaccino, president of the Colvest Group which owns the property, confirmed that the restaurant was coming and said he expected it to open in about three months.

“There is a signed lease, and the landlord is making all the necessary arrangments for them to move in,” Colaccino.

Once open, this would be the second Jersey Mike’s in Hampshire County after the company opened on Route 9 in Hadley earlier this year. There’s also a store in Longmeadow.

Jeresy Mike’s isn’t the only fast-casual franchise to soon come to King Street, with a Chipotle Mexican Grill scheduled to open just next door at 301 King St., the site of a former Papa Gino’s. Colaccino said the Chipotle is expected to open next month.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.