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Overcast Patriotic spectacle lights up Long Island
Fireworks set the tone for a grand Fourth of July
Get ready to mark the nation’s birthday with some lively celebrations. While the main event is Tuesday, of course, the festivities begin Saturday and continue through next weekend.
Celebrate America at Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park remains a popular site to view some dazzling pyrotechnics, as part of its annual double bill that also features a concert. Crowds will fill the park once again, Saturday, July 1, to enjoy some tunes and watch as the skies light up at the county’s annual Independence Day extravaganza.
Lamar Peters kick things off, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, with his “Ultimate Elvis Tribute.” Peters is followed by the Idol Kings, who will have everyone groovin’ to some of the best of the ‘80s, with their two-for-one Journey/John Mellencamp tribute. The colorful fireworks follow, presented by the famed Grucci family, at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Jones Beach
The patriotic salute, a longstanding tradition, is eagerly awaited by the throngs of area residents who will make that trek to the beach on July 4. The vivid display, beginning at 9:30 p.m., is a spectacular half-hour show using state-of-the-art technology. The vibrant colors will thrill everyone, accompanied by a rousing musical array of patriotic songs simulcast by WALK 97.5 FM and K 98.3 FM.
Of course, expect crowds. Over 250,000 people generally attend, so spectators are advised to arrive early. “Center stage” is the Central Mall, but fireworks are visible throughout the length of the beach.
Valley Stream’s Firemen’s Field
For those who want to stay closer to home, watching the fireworks display at Firemen’s Field in Valley Stream is another option on July 4. Visitors will be treated to a glorious display of pyrotechnics, with DJ-led entertainment, along with children’s activities and lawn games. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets, which sell out quickly, are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate; available at the Hendrickson Pool Facility, Village Hall and the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library. Parking is available at the Hendrickson Pool facility with transportation provided to the show.
Long Beach Fireworks Extravaganza
The city of Long Beach honors Independence Day, Friday, July 7, with its lively beach party.
The festivities start at 3 p.m. with craft and food vendors lining the boardwalk between Long Beach Boulevard and Riverside Boulevard, along with other food concessions and Shorgasboard ready to satisfy every appetite. New York Minute performs a Gloria Estefan tribute, at 8 p.m., with fireworks following, once it gets dark.Residents and visitors are encouraged to use the shuttle buses leaving from the east and west ends of the city, beginning at 7 p.m., and dropping off on Riverside Boulevard. For further information, visit www.longbeachny.org.
Rockville Centre
The Village of Rockville Centre offers up its fireworks extravaganza to celebrate its anniversary and Independence Day, on Saturday, July 8, at Mill River Park. The popular event, a 24-year tradition, begins, as always with a concert by the South Shore Symphony, at 7:45 p.m.
This year the symphony “lets its hair down” with a Pops Bash, under the baton of longtime member violinist Eileen Murphy. They’ll dig into dance tunes, Broadway favorites, popular songs and, of course, patriotic marches, as a prelude to a spectacular fireworks display
Shortly after dark, at about 9:15 p.m., the fireworks, courtesy of Grucci, will light up the sky. Music will continue after the fireworks’ grand finale, until 10:15 p.m.
Bring a picnic if you desire, listen to some music under the stars and gaze at the glittering spectacle overhead. For information, visit www.rvcny.us.
