by Cornelia Fortier

With barbecues and entertainment, cities and towns across Fairfield County are celebrating July 4th in family festivities that, at dark, end in a crescendo of fireworks.  This year, as we sit on blankets or in camp chairs, at beaches or parks or schools, not only will we marvel, again, at the incandescent beauty of the fireworks in the night sky but also at how deeply we feel about Independence Day. Happy July 4th! Here's what is planned:

Bridgeport
Fireworks take place on June 27th at dusk in Bridgeport's Seaside Park, 1 Barnum Dyke. Non-residents can buy a $4 parking pass for the evening. For information, call 203-576-7233.

Danbury
Danbury's fireworks celebration takes place on June 28th with a June 29th rain date, at Candlewood Park, Hayestown Road, at dusk. There is no admission or parking fee. For information, call 203-797-4514.

Fairfield
July 4th is Fairfield's day for fireworks, with a rain date of July 5th, at Jennings Beach, South Benson Road. From 5-7 PM, the Atwood Express Oldies Band plays music at Jennings Beach and from 7-9 PM, Peter Spink is featured at Penfield Pavilion. Admission for non-residents is $25 per car. For information, call  203-256-3144.

Greenwich
Binney Park and Greenwich Point are where to go to view fireworks in Greenwich, which take place on July 5th with a rain date of July 6th. At 7 PM, the Sound Beach Volunteer FD band entertains at Binney Park. There is a $20 non-resident parking fee at Greenwich Point. For information, call 203-622-7820.

New Canaan
Waveny Park is New Canaan's location for fireworks, which take place on July 4th with a raindate of July 5th. The park's gates open at 5 PM and entertainment is offered from 5:30-8:30 PM with sky divers landing at 7 PM. Admission is $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents, per car or group. For information, call 203-594-3070.

Norwalk
Norwalk's Independence Day fireworks take place at Calf Pasture Beach, East Norwalk, on July 3rd. The rain date is July 5th. Entertainment begins at 6 PM with the Amazing Andy Show for kids, followed by the American Festival Band. At Shady Beach, Changes in Latitudes performs, followed by Billy Genuario and Frolix. Admission is free with a Norwalk Beach Sticker or $20 for non-residents. For information, call 203-854-7806.

Ridgefield
Ridgefield's Family Fourth Fireworks take place on Ridgefield High School grounds at 700 North Salem Rd., on July 4th. The rain date is July 7th. The gates open at 6PM at the High School so families can picnic before the fireworks. For information, call 203- 431-2755.

Shelton
In Shelton, fireworks are scheduled for July 2nd with a rain date of July 3rd, at Veteran's Park by the water. Entertainment begins at 7 PM with the Cartells playing popular hits. There is no charge for parking or admission. For more information, call 203-925-8422.

Stamford
In Stamford, fireworks take place at Cummings Beach on July 3rd, with a July 5th rain date. At 6 PM, a DJ provides entertainment. There is open, free parking. For information, call 203-977-4150.

Stratford
A July 3rd evening of fireworks and entertainment is planned at Stratford's Short Beach, on Dorne Drive. The rain date is July 5th. Entertainment is  provided by the Attwood Express, a family-friendly band. There is no charge for parking or admission. For information, call 203-385-4052.

Trumbull
Trumbull's fireworks display takes place on June 28th, as part of the town's two day Trumbull Day festivities, at Hillcrest Middle School, 530 Daniels Farm Rd. From 5-11 PM, 9 different musical groups perform on the Main Stage.  Admission is $3 for adults and .99 for kids. For information, call 203-452-5035.

Weston
Weston's Family Fourth Celebration, on July 4th, begins at 4:30 PM when the gates open at Weston Middle School, 95 School Road. Before fireworks,  there is a  barbecue from 5-9 PM, with music by the American Concert Band, followed by the Westport Community Band and a performance by the Magic Genie as well as the Straight Note Chasers Band. The rain date is July 6th. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 3-17. No charge for ages 2 and under. For more information, call 203-222-2656.

Westport
Fireworks at Westport's Compo Beach take place on July 3rd with a rain date of July 7th. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance, either at the Westport Parks and Recreation office, 260 South Compo Road during business hours or at Police HQ, 50 Jesup Road, any time. Ticket holders can arrive as early as 5 p.m. to secure their spot, with fireworks expected to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. For information, call 203-341-5090.

Wilton
July 4th is Wilton's day for a fireworks celebration (rain date TBA) which takes place at the Athletic Complex on Route 7. There is music, beginning at 6 PM, and at 8 PM, Eight to the Bar performs country and rock 'n roll favorites, returning after the fireworks. A $35 parking pass purchased before the event ensures priority parking. A parking fee of $15 is charged on the 4th before the event. For information, call 203-834-6234.