This Independence Day, fireworks soar far over Firemen’s Field

The annual Valley Stream Fourth of July celebration last weekend gave the community an opportunity to dance, eat and celebrate.

A $15 a ticket gave families an event where they could enjoy the multiple food trucks, interactive games and, most important, the 20-minute fireworks display that closed out this night of fun. The professional fireworks were provided by Northstar Auto Collision. It took two months of planning and effort from every department of the Village of Valley Stream to bring the event to life.

Safety was the priority, village officials noted. A professionally supervised fireworks display is not an easy logistical feat to pull off, but it helps when officials provide a safe space to celebrate the holiday while deterring some from experimenting with their own homemade pyrotechnics.

There was 100 yards or more of space between the crowd and where the fireworks were being lit, and the event was heavily monitored by the fire department and bomb squad. Security monitored all entrances, and every bag brought to the venue was searched.

The roads surrounding Firemen’s Memorial Field were blocked off, leaving only emergency vehicles with access. This also let the families from the surrounding neighborhood hang out for the night and watch the fireworks from their yards.

Food was plenty with food trucks and ice cream, along with hot dogs being sold by the Boy Scouts. Troops 116 and 99 raised money by selling hot dogs, candy, and drinks at the concession stand. It also was an opportunity to showcase the newest members of the Scouts of America, the girls that have joined in the past couple of years.

Along with the scouts, the employees of Camp Barrett volunteered their time setting up activities for kids. There were face painting and temporary tattoos available for children, along with a bouncy castle monitored by a camp supervisor. Hundreds of excited kids crowded the activities throughout the event, eager to participate. 

The DJ providing the entertainment was filled with enthusiasm as he thanked all of the people who made this event possible. There were many interactive games along with a hula hooping competition. The music flowed loudly through the event putting some in the mood to dance.

The village hopes to continue this beloved tradition for years to come. “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together for an amazing and overall fun night,” Recreation Director Jimmy Fitzano said.

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