2024 New Britain 4th of July Fireworks, “Great American Boom” Planned

New Britain’s widely attended July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks display, celebrating Independence Day, is planned for the 2024 celebration.

The 2024 Great American Boom fireworks event has been scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2024 in Willow Brook Park. The event is to feature food trucks, DJ dance party and, of course, fireworks.

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 where the event is held, thousands more have historically gathered in numerous locations throughout a large swath of the city.

The city says that the parking lot is to open at 7:00pm and will close to entry at 9:00pm.

The city says that the fireworks, themselves, begin approximately 9:30pm.

The administration of Mayor Erin Stewart says that , “$10.00 per car. Pre-Registration Required! A parking pass is required for entry.”

Tickets are available on the New Britain Parks and Recreation website, the city says, “until July 3rd, but must be picked up before the event.”

The city says that, “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 Friday, June 14th until Wednesday, July 3rd.”

The city adds that, “Additional purchase and parking pass pickup hours,” include,

• “Monday, July 1st 12:00pm – 8:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way”
• “Tuesday, July 2nd 12:00pm – 8:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way”
• “Wednesday, July 3rd 1:00pm – 7:45pm at Willow Brook Pool, 80 Mill Street”
• “Thursday, July 4th 9:00am – 4:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way”

The city says that there will be no parking pass, “onsite purchasing at the time of the the event.” The city adds that, “Parking pass/placard must be hung on rearview mirror” and that “Parking is available at NBHS & Willow Brook Park, follow signage and police traffic directions.” The city says that, “alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed in parks. No pets allowed.”

The city says that on the day of the fireworks, “Willow Brook Park and NBHS parking is only available to those that purchased an event placard.” On July 4th, the city said, “If you have previously purchased an event parking placard online and have not picked up your placard, you must do so today at New Britain Stadium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

The city says that, there is to be, “no parking on the south or west sides of the all side street. Streets are posted. Any violators will be ticketed and towed,” and, “no parking on South Main Street from Ellis Street south.”

The city’s instructions appear to call for an 8:45pm, “hard shutdown”, on the day of the fireworks, saying, “no traffic.” Local traffic only rules appear to be planned, starting at 7:00pm. The city adds that, “northbound Traffic on South Main Street will be allowed until hard shut down at 8:45pm.”

“At the end of the fireworks,” the city says, “all vehicles must follow the designated exit routes. Expect significant traffic delays after the event. Pedestrians will be crossing streets, traffic will stop as needed to allow large groups to cross.”

The city asks pedestrians to, “please be aware of the high volume of vehicle traffic. Use sidewalks or designated pedestrian walking areas where available. Police Motor Units will be working lights at major intersections to keep traffic flowing.”

The Parks and Recreation office phone number is 860-826-3360. Parks and Recreation often posts updates about events, including weather-related, on its Facebook page.

The rain date for the event is July 5, 2024.

Editor’s note: This article may be updated if additional information becomes available.