The summerlong Lunch Music series at Riverside Gardens Park kicked off Wednesday. Volunteers are needed at the event to help raise money for Kaboom fireworks. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi; click to enlarge)

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI

Lunch Music made its intro overlooking the Navesink River in Red Bank Wednesday, a sweat-inducing afternoon that sent viewers to the few shaded spots available at Riverside Gardens Park.

As they were last year, representatives from RiverCenter were there with a table full of pamphlets of information while the Andreach-Crepta Jazz Duo hit the first notes of the summerlong series.

One aspect missing from the event, though, was a volunteer waving the yellow bucket for the Kaboom Fireworks Committee.

The committee, heading into the home stretch to raise funds for this year’s fireworks show on the Navesink River, is looking for people to get involved to help in the annual appeal from the public.

After securing major sponsorships for this year’s three-day land-and-air spectacle, including a $45,000 check from Wells Fargo, the committee is continuing its regular effort of seeking donations from the public — meaning the yellow buckets will become prevalent in the coming days and weeks. They’ll be out at the mid-week Lunch Music event from here on out, plus Riverfest next week and, of course, at the Kaboom fireworks show on July 3.

But the group needs a little help, so it’s asking that anybody interested phone or email. Benefits include a free parking spot, food, t-shirt and great seats for the fireworks, said committee member Andrew Devoto.

Here’s the schedule for volunteers:

LunchMusic! At Riverside Gardens Park

Two volunteers needed for each shift

June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, or 29th from noon to 2 p.m.

RiverFest at Marine Park (June 3rd-5th)

Two volunteers needed for each shift

Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (1 shift: 5pm-10pm)

Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (3 shifts: 11am-3pm, 3pm-7pm, or 7pm-10pm)

Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2 shifts: 11am-2pm or 2pm-5pm)

Kick In For KaBoom

60-70 volunteers needed

July 3rd

5 to 10 p.m.

Anyone interested can email or call 732.842.7337