AMESBURY — Though the town was hit hard earlier this year by layoffs and cuts to services stemming from a state economic crisis, town leaders are determined to keep the tradition of Amesbury Days alive and as vibrant as ever.

From the 10-day celebration's kickoff tonight in Huntington Square to the fireworks on the Fourth of July, residents can expect all the old favorite events will be back this year, newly appointed organizer Ray Shockey said.

"I think people were assuming that we weren't going to be able to do Amesbury Days this year," said Shockey in reference to the grim financial picture being painted by state representatives this budget season. "But it's too important a series of events to not do. Amesbury Days kind of defines Amesbury during the summer."

Originally organized as a celebration for the town's mill workers, Amesbury Days has been going strong since 1899 and has grown from an event held primarily in downtown's Market Square, to a series of events that draw visitors from across the region.

Shockey said the economy presented some challenges this year, but he said the fireworks display at Woodsom Farm will go on.

Though the celebration has brought in fewer advertisements for its program and has received fewer donations than in years past, Shockey said the $14,000 fireworks display is actually going to be bigger and better than last year, thanks to continued support from advertising merchants and the town's two local banks.

"We have quite a few people working on this thing, and because of the economy, we've had some issues," Shockey said. "But I think it's going to be a good program this year. The fireworks are going to be somewhat larger than last year, as a matter of fact."

From the kickoff block party to church pancake breakfasts, beach parties, historical tours, Thomas the Tank Engine train rides, free concerts, hot air balloon rides and a kids day in the park, there is something for everybody offered throughout the 10-day affair. And there are few organizations in town that don't get involved with the event in some capacity.

As a former volunteer and Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation president, Shockey took over the organizational reins of the celebration this year at the behest of Mayor Thatcher Kezer, and he said residents can expect a much more streamlined process than in past years, thanks to Amesbury Days' newly formed nonprofit corporate umbrella.

While in past years fundraising and event management was handled by a small number of volunteers, four board members now oversee a number of committees charged with oversight of particular events, which should improve the quality of the programs and make for a more streamlined Amesbury Days, Shockey said.

"We figured by having this kind of nonprofit corporate entity that we would formalize things and make it more like a business," said Shockey, who will serve as the nonprofit's president under the new corporate structure.

With his new position, Shockey goes from behind-the-scenes program book volunteer to working the strings that make the whole 10-day operation run smoothly.

"The mayor cornered me in the grocery store and wouldn't take no for an answer," Shockey joked.

Shockey said the festival will follow a similar format to last year's celebration when it comes to live entertainment.

"There's going to be musical groups almost every day or night," Shockey said. "At the fireworks, we'll have two bands playing — a concert band called the Merrimack Valley Concert Band just before the fireworks, and a young teenage band whose members are between 10 and 14 years old. They are going to perform for us for free, which is a nice thing, and we have several musical groups that are going to play in the Upper Millyard next week."

Shockey spent much of yesterday delivering the Amesbury Days program to area businesses and restaurants, and will continue passing them around town today.

"We're going to be putting them out at several stores downtown," he said, listing Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, Vermette's Market and the Bead Shop as a few locations carrying the programs. "We try to keep them well stocked throughout Amesbury Days."

Once the programs have been delivered, all that's left to do is cross his fingers and pray for a break in one of the rainiest Junes on record. And Shockey won't be the only one crossing his fingers.

"I'm not looking (at the forecast)," said Chamber of Commerce President Stefanie McCowan, who's responsible for throwing tonight's Block Party celebration. "I started looking last Friday, and it's been changing every single day, and it's making me crazy."

McCowan said most recent word from weather forecasters is that there will indeed be a break in the weather, with only a 30 percent chance of showers throughout the day and evening tomorrow.

"We do it rain or shine, so it really doesn't matter," McCowan said. "The show must go on."

If you go tonight

What: Block Party

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Huntington Square Gazebo

Cost: The event is free and open to the public.

Mayor Thatcher Kezer will serve as master of ceremonies tonight when he takes to the town gazebo to officially open up the Amesbury Days celebration. The ceremonial opening will be followed by a downtown celebration featuring live music, a beer and wine truck, restaurant kiosks, ice cream vendors, face painting, and more, organized by the Chamber of Commerce.