By MIKE RUSSO
"A lot of the towns have fireworks displays, so why go somewhere else when we can do it here?" said Erik Mahler, a Chamber board member and the brains behind the ambitious operation. Mahler said he brought the idea to the Chamber a few years ago, but funds were not available at the time. This year, however, the Mahler Realty owner asked numerous local businesses to help fund the show, which is being produced by Pyrotechnical, a fireworks company based in Pennsylvania. “It's the first time ever in Baldwin,” Mahler said, “so we’re excited about it.”
Doug Diana, a Chamber board member and the co-chairman of the Summer Picnic, who has helped coordinate the event since its beginnings, said that despite the tremendous amount of time and planning required, it is a rewarding experience to see residents come out and enjoy themselves. "We want to make sure the show is number one for Baldwin and without any hitches," Diana said, adding that he anticipates a large crowd for the event, due largely to the addition of fireworks combined with the slumping economy, which is keeping more people home for the summer. "[The fireworks] are part of making it bigger and putting Baldwin on the map. There's not too many non-villages that have their own fireworks show."
The fireworks, which will begin at around 9:15 p.m., will be the last of a number of events held throughout the day. The picnic, which includes food, games, pony rides, an animal exhibit, face painting and more, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Live music will be featured at the mobile Town of Hempstead concert van.
Residents looking to catch the fireworks are urged to arrive early because the park will be closed to vehicular traffic once its 455 parking spots have been filled. The rain date is Sunday.
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
