Stepping Out

Patriotic colors

Fireworks set the tone for a spectacular Fourth of July celebration

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Bring on those fireworks! The pyrotechnics are ready to dazzle once again — as we get set for another round of celebrations to mark our nation’s birthday. While the main event is Monday, of course, the festivities will keep going through next weekend.

Celebrate America at Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is always a popular spot to see a glittery spectacle and enjoy a concert too. Thousands are expected to fill the park once again during the holiday weekend, Saturday, July 2, to watch as the skies light up with those spectacular fireworks at the county’s annual Independence Day extravaganza.
TD Bank continues as the sponsor of “Celebrate America,” the glittery spectacle at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. The Steam Punk Pirates kick things off, followed by the return of Killer Joe and the Lido Soul Revue. Described as “the hardest playing band in New York,” they’ll have everyone grooving to the best of Motown, R&B, rock ’n roll, blues and soul. The musical prelude sets the stage for the festive fireworks, presented by the acclaimed Grucci family, that follow, at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Theater area gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are required for admission; the free tickets are available at any TD Bank, while supplies last. And, of course, there is no formal seating, so visitors should bring blankets or chairs. Space is limited and overflow will be directed to other viewing and parking areas. For further information, contact (516) 572-0355.

Fourth of July at Jones Beach
The patriotic tradition, which returned last year after a five-year absence, is eagerly awaited by the throngs of area residents who will make that trek to Jones Beach on July 4. The colorful display, beginning at 9:30 p.m. is a spectacular half-hour show using the latest in pyrotechnic technology. Vibrant colors will entertain everyone, accompanied by rousing musical array of patriotic songs simulcast by WALK 97.5 FM and K-98.3 FM.
Of course, expect crowds. Many thousands of hardy souls recall braving the jam-packed thoroughfares leading to the park for the impressive light show. Over 250,000 people are expected to attend, so spectators are advised to arrive early on Saturday. “Center stage” is the Central Mall, but you’ll be able to gaze at the fireworks throughout the length of the beach.

Fireworks at Valley Stream’s Fireman’s Field
Watching the fireworks display at Fireman’s Field in Valley Stream is a summer ritual for many. The holiday fun continues Monday, when Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream hosts its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show. The rain date is July 5.
This event remains one of the largest fireworks displays in the area, according to Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce officials, with over 25,000 people who attend yearly. Visitors will be treated to a glorious display of pyrotechnics, along with children’s activities and entertainment by DJ John Piazza before the light show.
It’s a neighborhood tradition for many to watch the fireworks outside the gates of Fireman’s Field. However, village officials prefer that people actually enter the park to get the most out of the event. Tickets, which sell out quickly, are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate. They are available at the Hendrickson Pool Facility, Village Hall, the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, along with Collision Concepts and Sip This on Rockaway Avenue. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Enter at Emerson Place or Albermarle Avenue entrances to Fireman’s Field, Valley Stream.

Fireworks Extravaganza in Long Beach
The city of Long Beach honors Independence Day, Friday, July 8, with its annual beach party, highlighted by a colorful fireworks display. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., on the beach, with a concert to get the festive vibe going. Fireworks follow, at 9 p.m., from a barge off the Long Beach shoreline. Visitors can sit on the beach to watch the show, or view the lights from any point along the shore.
City officials urge everyone to arrive early and use public transportation, as parking is limited. For further information, visit www.longbeachny.org.

Rockville Centre Holiday Celebration
The Village of Rockville Centre celebrates its anniversary and Independence Day with its popular Fireworks Celebration and Concert on Saturday, July 9, at Mill River Park. The highly anticipated event, a tradition for 23 years, starts at 6 p.m. as families and friends gather in the park to enjoy food and entertainment, supported by the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts and the Village of Rockville Centre.
The South Shore Symphony returns with its annual concert, performing patriotic standards, at 7:45 p.m. Shortly after dark, at about 9:15 p.m., the fireworks spectacular, courtesy of Grucci, will light up the sky.
Hear pops music, patriotic music and classics at their best, performed by the many talented local musicians who comprise the prestigious orchestra. Music will continue after the fireworks’ grand finale, until 10:15 p.m.
“It’s a laid back evening that we always look forward to,” says Wayne Lipton, president of the South Shore Symphony and principal cellist. “We’ll perform American patriotic music mixed in with some summertime standards.”
Bring a picnic and listen to some music under the stars and gaze at the glittering spectacle overhead. For information, visit www.rvcny.us.