From the time I was a wee little child through my 50s, I have always looked forward to seeing fireworks shows. I remember bringing Baron, the “best dog ever” with me to the Devon Bridge to watch the Stratford show one year. Everyone, including police officers, marveled at how he sat happily by my side, wagging his tail and greeting passersby as the deafening booms filled the air.
My other constant companion was my son, Bobby, who enthusiastically hopped into the car and never complained as we drove from town to town looking for the best vantage points.I knew all the schedules and mapped out every night well in advance for years.As Bob grew into adulthood, hanging with mom became less fun, and for me, so did traveling around for fireworks shows. (No Baron, No Bob, No Reason)Orange residents have been asking me about our traditional Fourth of July fireworks display, when is it? — Well, it’s not.Fireworks are expensive. A good show will cost a town or organization tens of thousands of dollars (or more).The Orange Town News finds sponsors for the show and concert each year, but it takes months of advance planning, and with the COVID restrictions just recently being lifted, that was not an easy thing to do. So, this year, a concert and fireworks display reminiscent of the usual Independence Day event will take place on Labor Day weekend instead.Last night I was taken by surprise by the rumbling outside that was freaking out my dogs and I thought it was an unexpected thunderstorm. But the unmistakable sound of the finale made it clear that there was an early fireworks display nearby.
There are many upcoming shows in CT in the next 2 weeks: Vernon, Middletown, Norwich, New Milford, etc. If you aren’t a fireworks fanatic, but enjoy a good show, here are a few that aren’t too far away. Stratford at Short Beach Park, Route 113, Thursday, July 1, starting at 9 pmShelton at the River Walk, downtown Shelton, 100 Canal Street East. Friday, July 2 at 9:15 p.m.West Haven: Saturday, July 3, (Rain date July 4)Fairfield: Grucci Firework Show at Jennings Beach & Penfield Beach, 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 3, (Rain date July 5th)Trumbull behind Hillcrest Middle School, Saturday, July 3.Milford Westfield Fireworks Spectacular from 6-10:30 p.m. at the mall on Post Road. Food, rides, games, entertainment, music by Nine Days, Michelle Raitzin, Michelle Rescigno of the Wounded Warriors Tour, and more. $1. Gourmet barbecue tent $25, $10 children.Fireworksdisplay 9:30 p.m. At the top level of the Green Garage. Saturday, July 3 (Rain Date: July 5)New Haven at Atop East Rock at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 4, (Rain Date: July 5) Bridgeport from Seaside Park at the foot of Park Avenue at West Beach, Saturday, July 10.
There you have it, Fireworks enthusiasts, pick a display, any display, and enjoy your holiday weekend. Remember, don’t drink and drive!
From the time I was a wee little child through my 50s, I have always looked forward to seeing fireworks shows. I remember bringing Baron, the “best dog ever” with me to the Devon Bridge to watch the Stratford show one year. Everyone, including police officers, marveled at how he sat happily by my side, wagging his tail and greeting passersby as the deafening booms filled the air.