By John C. O'Connell
Valley Stream's All-American Fourth of July celebration was a perfect mixture of family entertainment, summer relaxation and an exciting display of pyrotechnic magic. Some village officials estimated that as many as 20,000 people, in and out of the park, saw the fireworks.
Presented by the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Valley Stream, the 13th annual Fourth of July event was an evening of dance, song, children's rides and fireworks, featuring Steve Cass Entertainment, the Valley Stream South Falconettes, Miss Edie's Dancin' Feet and singer Kathleen Glen.
Glen, a 22-year-old graduate of Valley Stream schools, is a singer, songwriter and poet who has won many local and national talent contests. Her poetry has been published in worldwide anthologies. She sang the national anthem and "God Bless America."
Members of the Valley Stream Kiwanis and South High School's Key Club sold hot dogs, soft drinks and treats to raise funds for children. Kiwanians Frank Farella, Jim Snider, Tom Flood and Dipak Doshi and Key Club members Caroline Ignacio, Stephanie Fox and Michael Eisenberg worked hard all evening for a great cause. All the money they raised was to be donated to the North Shore Pediatric Trauma Center for children's trauma kits for EMS vehicles, said Farella.
South's Falconettes and dance students at Miss Edie's Dancin' Feet were big hits throughout the evening.
Photos by John C. O'Connell/Herald
