Fireworks soar high over Firemen’s Field

The sizzling smell of nearby backyard barbecues filled the air at Firemen’s Memorial Field during the village’s annual Independence Day Fireworks display. Dozens of families arrived in front of the park’s flag-decorated gates at 6 p.m. last Friday night – eager to nab a choice spot to watch the fireworks show. 

Although the actual patriotic pyrotechnics wouldn’t light the night sky until 9:15 pm, residents were more than happy to lounge around on their beach blankets in the meantime, some even with a whole picnic set up for the night.

“If it wasn’t for my friend, Natrea Blake, I wouldn’t be here,” said spectator Nikiiyah Mills. “She tells me about it every year, and it is always a great time. It’s never crowded. Everyone’s friendly. And it’s diverse. That’s the big one – diversity – it’s important.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, music blasting from the speakers already had residents up and dancing. DJ John Piazza, who residents may be familiar with as the DJ at Valley Stream’s weekly summer car show, entertained the crowd as they awaited the grand rocket show. Residents grooved to the “Macarena” and the “Cupid Shuffle.” Piazza also officiated a heated hula hoop contest and gave out prizes such as free shirts courtesy of the local paper company One in a Million.

After the singing of the national anthem, local celebrity singer Mikki May did a live performance that had people out of their seats, or rather up from their blankets, moving along to the rhythm.

A few steps away from the action, the Valley Stream Youth Council was hard at work at the concession stand serving refreshments, hot dogs, pretzels, and chips. Volunteers from Bethlehem Assembly of God, one of the event’s sponsors, were also handing out free water bottles and helped set up the blow-up playground on the grass for kids to play while families waited for the show to start.

Residents also had a moment to take stock of the significance of commemorating Independence Day. Some, like ten-year resident Kimberly Kolm, spoke of what freedom meant to her in light of the nation’s heated debate on abortion. “To me, Independence Day means bodily autonomy,” she said. 

“I think the freedom to make our own choices. That is what Independence Day means to me, and to be who we want to be,” said resident Gina Cimino with her friend Erica Toker.

“When I think of Independence, I think about people being set apart,” said volunteer Caleb Rhymer. “Independence Day represents all of the people who were once not able to be set apart and finally be able to stand on their own two feet and feel important.”

Eventually, residents sat down together as the sky was set aglow with red, white, and blue sparks. ‘Oohs’ and ‘aahs’ erupted from the crowd as patriotic tunes rang out.