Fireworks At Jones Beach
It's always a scene when the many thousands of hardy souls brave the jam-packed thoroughfares leading to Jones Beach every July 4th. The reason: After dusk descends on the park, 9:30 p.m. to be precise, visitors enjoy what many consider to be the best fireworks display on Long Island.Once again produced by Bay Fireworks, the event takes days of preparation, resulting in a spectacular half-hour show.The company uses sophisticated computer-controlled technology to launch the patriotic pyrotechnics, meaning that every elegant explosion is carefully choreographed to rousing tunes played over the beach's sound system.As every year, be prepared for crowds; over 150,000 people are expected to attend. Guests are advised to arrive early on Tuesday, by 6 p.m. "Center stage" is at Field 4; of course the fireworks will be visible throughout the length of the beach. For further information, contact (516) 785-1600.
Fireworks With A Beatles Tribute
Eisenhower Park also gets into the act, on Saturday, July 1, with what is proclaimed to be "Long Island's largest fireworks show of the summer." It's once again, produced by the Grucci Family. This year's theme is "Celebrate America."This, too, is a state-of-the art display of fireworks wonder, featuring a computer generated script that choreographs the fireworks to the music. The firework show is preceded by a special musical program, "Classical Musical Tour: A Tribute To The Beatles." It all takes place at Eisenhower Park's Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are required for admission. They are free and available at any Commerce Bank location. Visitors are advised to bring seating, and, of course, arrive early! Gates open at 6 p.m. For information, contact (516) 572-0200.
Fireworks And Concert At Point Lookout
It's also a festive night at Point Lookout on Saturday, July 1, with a fireworks display and concert by Gloria Gaynor.The dance music diva relives those disco days as she performs her hits "I Will Survive," "Never Can Say Goodbye," and "I Never Knew" Then it's time for a patriotic display of pyrotechnics, produced by Bay Fireworks, at 9:30 p.m. It all starts off with a Salute To Veterans, at 7:30 p.m. See the show at Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd. in Point Lookout. For the further information, contact (516) 431-3900.
An Old Fashioned Fourth Of July Celebration
Independence Day for 19th century Long Islanders wasn't so different from today's version of the holiday: just substitute musket fire for fireworks and a Temperance Society picnic with old fashioned fiddle music, instead of holiday feasts blasting to the sounds of today's music, and it's virtually the same thing.Those nostalgic for those days gone by can spend their holiday in the 1850s, courtesy of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, on Tuesday, July 4. Festivities include the aforementioned picnic (where guests are invited to bring their own picnic lunches), a traditional parade - complete with costumed "villagers," musket-toting militia and a marching band, at 2 p.m. as well as All Star Base Ball games, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Events begin at 10:30 a.m., at Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. Admission is $7 adult, $5 children 4-14 and seniors. For further information, contact (516) 572-8400.
Fireworks At Fireman's Field
A local venue that always draws a large crowd is Fireman's Field in Valley Stream. There, the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream is hosting its 15th annual Fourth of July Celebration.With approximately 25,000 people expected to attend, this is considered to be one of the largest fireworks displays in the area, according to Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce officials. Visitors will be treated to a glorious display put on by Bay Fireworks, which is producing many of the region's fireworks shows this season.For a more informal experience, some just watch the fireworks outside the gates of Fireman's Field. However, Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce officials prefer that people actually come into the park, for the event is much more than just the fireworks. For a $5 admission, visitors will enjoy an evening of entertainment. A local band will perform, and high students will sing the national anthem to kick off the festivities. Concessions with refreshments, run by the Kiwanis Club, will be available at the field. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets sell out early. They are available at Village Hall, Waldinger Public Library, and the Hendrickson Park Administration Building. Enter at Emerson Pl. or Albermarle Ave. entrances, Valley Stream.
Jones Beach Fireworks Cruise
There's another way to see fireworks without fighting the crowds on the way to the beach or park. Leave the "driving" to someone else and relax on an all-inclusive 5 1/2 hour cruise, beginning at 7 p.m., on Freeport's Nautical Princess and Empress. You'll enjoy cocktail hour, dinner and dessert, with dancing, topped off by the Jones Beach fireworks show. Ticket prices start at $110 per person; the cruise is restricted to 21 years or older. To reserve, or for more information, call (516) 623-5712.
