Fourth of July Fireworks Around the Corner
By Olivia Jablonski
Managing Editor
Summer is all about relaxing and having a good time. The anticipation is rising as New Britain prepares for its Fourth of July weekend and its music series, which starts on Wednesday, July 6.
Starting with the Fourth of July, the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the Great American Boom on Monday, July 4th at Stanley Quarter Park, according to Mayor of New Britain Erin Stewart.
“Fun for the entire family starts at 5:00 p.m. with the fireworks display around 9 p.m.,” said Stewart.
This giant Fourth of July celebration will open with several attractions and food vendors, followed by a concert starting at 6:00 p.m. by Latanya Farrell and the Bookman Styles Band, then finally culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.
Matt Scofield, director of the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Recreation Division will have an entire fleet of attractions set up for the public’s enjoyment. The fleet consists of giant trampolines, carnival games, a photo booth, interactive inflatables, pony rides, micro derby car races, caricature artist, face painters, pony rides, along with many other attractions.
A $5.00 wristband will need to be purchased. There will also be a family 4 pack for $15.00, which will allow for unlimited access to all the attractions from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity for a family to have a picnic in the park, enjoy all the food vendors, have fun at all the attractions and enjoy a great pre-fireworks concert by Latanya Farrell and the Bookman Styles Band,” said Director Erik Barbieri.
For everyone’s delectable enjoyment, the largest array of food vendors in the history of the Great American Boom will be available. Options include: hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, fried seafood, pulled pork sandwich’s, steak and cheese grinders, thai food, fried dough, funnel cakes, fried desserts, Italian ice, ice cream, slushies and more.
Parking will be made available at Central Connecticut State University. Handicapped parking is available at Stanley Quarter Park through Eddy Glover Boulevard entrance only.
Stewart said there will also be fireworks on Saturday, July 2 at the New Britain Bees game. “Putting on a fireworks display is expensive and we are lucky to have great corporate partners,” said Stewart.
The mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department are also presenting a 2016 Summer Music Series, which will start on July 6th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for its first show by artist Timmy Maia.
The series will incorporate all kinds of music, from swing orchestra, to dance and R&B and classic rock. Each show will take place on Monday and Wednesdays during the summer weeks; the schedule for the shows is listed below. The concerts are free to attend and will provide refreshments.
If you are interested in making a donation for future Fourth of July celebrations at Stanley Quarter Park, please contact the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department at 860-826-3360. For more program information check out the Recreation’s Department summer brochure, or visit them on the web at nbparksnrec.org.
