Fireworks light up Eisenhower Park

Thousands lined the entrance to East Meadow’s Eisenhower Park on June 29, filled with blankets, coolers, footballs, Frisbees, and families ready to display their patriotism during Nassau County’s annual fireworks celebration.

County Executive Ed Mangano and TD Bank again hosted the “Celebrate America Concert and Fireworks” at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, a fun, free, and local patriotic ode. The event, held as a precursor to any July 4 celebration, was slated to began at 5:30 pm, with fireworks set to launch at nightfall.

Somethin’ Fresh, a local ’80s, R&B, dance and funk band, took the stage to entertain the audience. Families sat, stood, swayed, and danced on blankets scattered throughout the grass surrounding the theatre. As the theatre filled up, people were directed to other areas in the park to hear the performance and to prepare for the main event: Fireworks By Grucci.

The Grucci family is world-renowned for their heart-stopping pyrotechnics, and as the lights hit the East Meadow skies at exactly 9:32 pm, audible gasps, squeals of delight, and smatterings of applause and laughter could be heard throughout.

As the performance came to a captivating close, residents, many who donned red, white and blue, walked hand-in- hand with their families back to their cars, clutching beautiful memories and a deeper love for their country.