By Karen Wolitzer
With the music blaring and the red, white and blue patterns above, it's impossible not to feel patriotic. And never before have Americans felt more patriotic than they have this year, which makes this 4th of July even more special.
So, what better way to celebrate than taking the whole family to Jones Beach to watch the spectacular presentation? This year, for the first time, Long Island's own Bay Fireworks will be producing the show.
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to bring a fresh look to this fireworks spectacular, says Bob Yale, president of Bay Fireworks.
The show will include the very latest in pyrotechnic technology from around the world and will be precisely choreographed to a musical score produced in our own studio, Yale adds. We have no doubt that this year's program will provide more oohs and ahhs than ever before.
.... The dazzling 30-minute fireworks extravaganza will be shot from two barge locations along the Island's south shore. The evening sky will be lit by more than 2,000 specially selected shells, launched at a rate of 70 shells per minute. Soaring as high as 1,200 feet. Each effect is timed to coordinate with a specific section of the musical score to create a breath-taking artistic presentation.
What many people don't realize is that a large-scale fireworks production, such as this, requires scripting, choreographing, and days of set-up, explains Yale, who personally produces each of Bay Firework's shows. By the time July 4th arrives, over 500 hours of labor, 30 miles of wiring and enough wood to side two houses will have gone into it.
Over 200,000 awestruck spectators are expected to attend what has become one of the largest and most anticipated Independence Day celebrations on Long Island.
This program will capture the strong sense of patriotism that is running throughout our country while entertaining an audience of all ages, adds Charlie Rappa, vice president of Bay Fireworks.
Other Bay Fireworks Productions
June 30 - Town of Hempstead Concert & Fireworks at Lido Beach Park
July 4 - City of Glen Cove at Morgan Park
July 4 - Village of Valley Stream at Fireman's Field
July 12 - New York Mets at Shea Stadium
July 16 - Town of Oyster Bay at John Burns Park, Massapequa
August 24 - Town of Babylon at Cedar Beach
Fireworks displays begin after the sun sets
Independence Day at Old Bethpage Village
Looking for something different to do during the day on the 4th? Why not celebrate an old-fashioned Independence Day at Old Bethpage Restoration Village. This annual event is an authentic recreation of a rousing Fourth of July, as it was celebrated on Long Island in the 1850s. The fun begins at 10 a.m. There will be a parade with a marching band and The Old Bethpage Village Brass Band will entertain visitors with historical musical selections. As an added attraction, there'll be an 1867 All Star Baseball Game. For more information call (516) 572-8400.
