By Jennifer Marino
With Grucci fireworks and music from the South Shore Symphony, villagers enjoyed the comfortable weather. The symphony entertained the crowd with patriotic favorites such as Yankee Doodle Dandy and Stars and Stripes Forever as well as The Star Spangled Banner. Several villagers were showcased, including Deputy Mayor Wayne Lipton, who performed a cello solo. Michael Abresch, director of music and performing arts for Rockville Centre schools, and his son, Adam, were among the featured trumpet players for Buglers' Holiday.
Dancers from Leggz Ltd. performed during The Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.
Some attendees displayed the entrepreneurial spirit. Sam Resnick, 7, and Nick Hissong, 6, set up a lemonade and cookie stand to feed the hungry audience.
As the symphony played, the sun set and the park filled up. After a clap-along to Stars and Stripes Forever, the fireworks lit up the sky at about 9:15 p.m. The crowd oohed and ahhed and children screamed with delight during the 20-minute show. The rain began as the smoke started to clear from the fireworks. The symphony played one last song, Pomp and Circumstance, before having to pack up to protect their instruments.
Villagers headed home, and the crunch of cars was eased by Rockville Centre Police and crossing guards on hand to direct traffic.
