New Britain’s 2020 July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks, celebrating Independence Day, are moving forward as a drive-in event, and in a different park.
Many public events have been changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect Connecticut, with major events delayed or cancelled. Another large public event in New Britain, the very popular Little Poland Festival, has been cancelled for 2020.
The New Britain fireworks are to proceed, the city says, but as a drive in event. “The Great American Boom will take place this year on July 4 at Willow Brook Park,” says Mayor Erin Stewart (R).
Access to the, “drive-in style,” fireworks event on July 4, 2020 will require a parking pass, according to the city. “Parking passes can be picked up at the New Britain Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (27 West Main Street, Room 302, New Britain, CT, 06051), 8:15am-3:45pm starting from June 26 until July 2nd.”
Stewart says that access to the event is, “$10 per car.”
The Parks and Recreation website also has a web page for parking pass reservations.
The city also says that, “On July 1, July 2, or July 3, Parking passes will be available at the New Britain Stadium ticket office (230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, CT 06051) 8:00am-4:00pm.”
Saying, “No parking pass, no entry, no refunds,” the city says that,
For the safety of our spectators and staff, all must adhere to the following rules:
1) A parking pass is required for entry, please place the parking pass on your rear view mirror.
2) Parking lots open at 7:30pm.
3) Parking lot entry will close at 9:00pm.
4) The fireworks show will take place at approximately 9:15pm-9:30pm.
5) Per Sec. 17-46 of City’s ordinances, alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed in parks.
6) All spectators must stay within their designated space with the exception of using portable restrooms.
7) In the case of spectators needing to leave their designated space (using the
portable restrooms) a face covering must be worn and social distancing is required at all times.
8) No pets allowed.
The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:15pm.
Willow Brook Park is located on John Karbonic Way, off of South Main Street in New Britain.
New Britain’s fireworks display, which has been held in Stanley Quarter Park before this year, has been very popular. Tens of thousands of people, both New Britain residents and visitors, have joined in a festive community spirit in celebration of the independence of the nation.
An estimated 40,000 people have gathered in New Britain on July 4th in past years to view New Britain’s traditionally spectacular Independence Day fireworks display. While thousands have gathered at the park, thousands more have gathered in numerous locations throughout a large swath of the city.
In the past, the fireworks in New Britain have traditionally been preceded by a park festival, with food, rides for children and live music. But, Stewart says, “No festival this year, just fireworks.”
As of July 1, 2020, Stewart announced that the parking spots for the event were sold out.
The New Britain Police have announced that,
Only pre-registered vehicles are allowed access to the parking lots. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Willow Brook park and the surrounding parking lots are closed to pedestrians.
There are no events, booths, or food trucks setup inside the park. Guests are expected to remain inside their vehicle for the duration of the event except to utilize the bathroom.
The public should anticipate a delay in the movement of traffic through the areas surrounding Willow Brook Park to include South Main Streets, Corbin Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Monroe Street and Ellis Street. The New Britain Police Department will have uniformed Police Officers and Community Service Officers posted at various intersections to assist with any traffic concerns. The New Britain Public Works Department, Berlin Police Department and the Connecticut State Police will also be assisting to facilitate the safe and expeditious flow of traffic throughout the area. Please keep in mind the safety of pedestrians and other motorists. Your cooperation will be necessary to insure a safe and enjoyable holiday celebration for everyone.
Side streets north of Mill Street up to Monroe/Ellis will remain open until the event begins or traffic congestion in the area requires their closure. Officers will be posted at key intersections on Corbin Avenue and South Main Street to manually cycle the lights if necessary to assist traffic flow.
The New Britain Police Department will be enforcing the existing “no parking” areas on the streets adjacent to New Britain High School, Martha Hart Park, and Shuttle Meadow Avenue.Kensington Avenue will have additional temporary “No Parking Signs” posted for the duration of the event.
Any motor vehicles parked in violation of any “No Parking” sign, obstructing driveways, fire hydrants, intersections, and crosswalks, double parked or parked in a hazardous manner will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
No parking will be allowed on South Main Street at any time during the event hours for public safety reasons.
The New Britain Police also said that, “The following are strictly prohibited from the festival area: mopeds, bicycle riding, skate boarding, roller-skating, roller-blading, dogs and alcoholic beverages.”
The rain date for the fireworks display is July 5, 2020.
Editor’s note (7/2/2020): Mayor Erin Stewart has announced that parking spaces for the fireworks event are “sold out”.
Editor’s note (7/3/2020): The article was update with information from the New Britain Police.
