Jones Beach fireworks a success

The Jones Beach Fourth of July fireworks display drew record crowds this year. There were approximately 139,000 spectators, according to George Gorman, a spokesman for the New York State Department of Parks and Historic Preservation. “There was some brief rain at 3 p.m. but the skies cleared and the show went on without any problems,” he said. “It was a beautiful night.”

All the parking lots were filled to capacity with the exception of Field 1, which was closed. “At 9:10 p.m. we stopped collecting fees so that everyone could enjoy the show,” Gorman explained.

The show started at 9:37 p.m., “A few minutes late because they had to get the barge into position. The seas were a bit rough,” he said.

Gorman described the display as “amazing; it was one of the best we’ve ever had. The display exceeded our expectations.” Garden State Fireworks, which won the bid after a competitive process, produced the fireworks show. It also produced the 2008 and 2009 fireworks displays at Jones Beach.

So far the summer season is running smoothly. “We are still in the middle of ongoing reconstruction at Field 6, but we have temporary food service there and at the West Bathhouse,” Gorman said.

Additionally, the Brooklyn Flea, located in the tented area at the central mall, has returned and is providing food services and “all sorts of activities including a flea market,” Gorman said. The food services include the Lobster Shack, Beach Bar and the Big Kahuna Burrito Bar. There is also live music on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Jones Beach is open until midnight seven days at week during the summer season. “We expect this to be a very good summer,” Gorman said, “and hope residents come down and enjoy everything Jones Beach has to offer.”