By John C. O'Connell
As many as 6,000 people from all over the Valley Stream area came to Firemen's Field Thursday night for an All-American Fourth of July celebration jointly sponsored by the village and the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce. Village officials estimate that at least another 30,000 filled the streets all around the field to watch the spectacular fireworks show.
Families on blankets covered the grass and many residents and guests filled the stands for a great view of the sky as Bay Fireworks lit the night with a fabulous pyrotechnics extravaganza.
Children ran around playing and giggling.
"From what I was told, it was one of the largest turnouts we've ever had," said Vincent Ang, village clerk, though many came late because of the sweltering heat during the day.
"It was wonderful. It was patriotic," Ang said. "I was very gratified by the number of people who came. My hat's off to people because they're not going to be intimidated [by terrorism]. They're not going to let anybody take away their holiday. And the Fourth of July was just a clear message that we're not intimidated."
Flags flew throughout the field and many people wore red, white and blue.
Mayor Edward Cahill and outgoing chamber president Rosemarie DelGrosso welcomed the many Valley Stream and neighboring families to the festivities and introduced the new chamber president, Dennis Fritzche, who enthusiastically moderated the evening's events. The mayor and chamber president thanked several individuals and groups for making the event possible, including the village clerk, fireworks committee, Auxiliary Police, Code Enforcement, Electrical Department, Department of Recreation. Public Works, the Valley Stream Fire Department, Engineering Dept., Board of Trustees, the Nassau County Police Department, Veterans Bus Transportation, Valley Stream Streamers, the Tap to Pointe Dancers, Katherine Glen, Steve Cass Entertainment and Bay Fireworks.
Dennis Fritzche, new president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, said that if people enjoyed this spectacular
celebration, they should come to Rockaway Avenue Aug. 22 for the chamber's Thursday Night Thrills (TNT) event for an afternoon and evening of fun and celebration.
