Fun on the fourth at Fireman’s Field

More than 20,000 people got to see Valley Stream’s 20th annual fireworks show on July 4, as community members back Firemen’s Field and the surrounding streets.

The event, hosted by the village and the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, has become a much beloved tradition. Gates opened at 6:30 p.m. and guests got to enjoy many family friendly activities for a few hours until the fireworks began about 9:15 p.m.

Strong Side Studios provided local musical entertainment on the mobile Town of Hempstead stage. For the kids, there were two giant inflatable bounce houses — one a castle and the other an obstacle course — courtesy of Bethlehem Assembly of God. The Valley Stream Youth Council sold food.

Vinny Ang, the research assistant to the village Board of Trustees, coordinated the event. He said there were about 4,000 people inside the park and close to 20,000 people on the surrounding streets including Albermarle Avenue, Berry Street and Emerson Place, all of which were closed to traffic. He said many homes surrounding the park hosted parties, as residents decided to take advantage of the up-close view of the fireworks.

He attributed the large crowd to the mid-week holiday, as many people stayed in Valley Stream because they only had one day off from work. The pyrotechnics display, which lasted about 20 minutes, was provide by Bay Fireworks which has been doing the show for the last dozen years.

Ang said the event would not have been possible without the hard work of the village’s staff, who spent nearly a week preparing for the event. “They do such a great job,” he said. “They make the night work.”