Tickets for fireworks show now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for Valley Stream’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show. The event takes place at Firemen’s Field.

In addition to fireworks, which will go off around 9:15 p.m. there will be children’s activities and entertainment. Ticket prices are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate on July 4. Children under 2 are free. Residents are urged to buy tickets sooner rather than later.

“Get them early,” said Vinny Ang, who is organizing this year’s event for the village. “They’ll be less expensive and there are no guarantees that there will be tickets available at the gate. Last year the show was a sellout, and last year we didn’t have the type of entertainment we’re going to have this year.”

This year there will be a new band. After several years of using local talent, the village has booked Uppercut, a nine-piece, high-energy funk, rock and R&B group. The band plays music dedicated to great horn bands of last 40 years and has a large brass section. “They play music from all kids of eras,” Ang said. “They are a high-end band.”

The band will play from 7:30 p.m. until the fireworks begin.

Activities for children will include bounce castles, face painting, characters in costume and games. There will also be food and drinks for sale.

“That’s a lot for your seven dollars,” said Debbi Gyulay, president of the Chamber of Commerce which is co-sponsoring this year’s event. “The event is a fun-filled, family-oriented evening with a community spirit and a fabulous fireworks show to end the evening.”

Tickets are on sale at the Valley Stream Community Center in Hendrickson Park, Village Hall, the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library and Sip This, 64 Rockaway Ave. Once the pool opens on June 8, tickets will also be sold there.

Seating will be available in the grandstand and residents can also bring blankets. No chairs will be allowed except in the handicapped section. Coolers and strollers are also prohibited. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The rain date is July 5.