Woodbridge Band Boosters Rally After Destruction of Fireworks

Members of the Woodbridge Senior High School marching band are working hard to make up the loss of $7,500 worth of fireworks after their stand was burglarized this week.

Prince William County Police believe that the burglar(s) probably kicked open the band's fireworks stand sometime after 9 p.m. Monday night, found it empty, then forced open the trailer where the fireworks are stored. 

The band members were stunned Tuesday morning to find out that $2,500 worth of fireworks were stolen, ruining the band's largest and most important fundraiser of the year. Bleach was dumped on the remaining fireworks, causing another $5,000 worth of damages. 

"There are other fundraisers, but the loss of those fireworks that were ruined and the ones that were stolen—that's going to be a big hit," said Sharon Richardson, the mother of a band member.

The money from the sale goes to fund the expenses associated with marching band, such as the many competitions the band attends. Despite the loss, the band members are not dwelling on the experience, she said. They are continuing to sell fireworks over the next week. 

"They're a resilient group," Richardson said. 

She added: "As the kids said Tuesday night at the end of practice, we have mighty Viking spirit and we’re not going to let this break us.”

Donations to the band may be made online.