Fairfield County Fireworks for July 4th, 2009 |
by Cornelia Fortier
Combine these ingredients: a heaping measure of family, friends, food al fresco and fun. Add a large dollop of patriotism. Generously sprinkle with fireworks displays and voila, the perfect recipe for July 4th in Fairfield County. Happy Birthday, Dear America! Here's where to get your helping of fireworks:
Bridgeport
Friday, June 26th - Bridgeport's fireworks display, part of the Barnum Festival 
and one of the largest displays in Connecticut, takes place at dusk in Seaside Park. Admission and parking are free. Food is available from vendors. Seaside Park, 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, 203-367-7917. There is no rain date.
Danbury
Saturday, June 27th - Fireworks take place at Candlewood Lake around 9 PM, when it gets dark, in Danbury's Candlewood Town Park, Hayestown Road.
The park closes for the day at 7 PM, so those arriving for the fireworks display after closing, pay no entrance fee. The rain date is July 11th.
Fairfield
Saturday, July 4th - The Town of Fairfield's fireworks should launch around 9 PM from the waters off Jennings & Penfield beaches. The Atwood Oldies Band entertains at Jennings Beach from 5-7 PM and “In Harmony,” performs at Penfield Pavilion from 7-9 PM. The rain date is July 5th.
Greenwich
Friday, July 3rd - Two fireworks displays are planned, one at Greenwich Point and the other, at Binney Park, Old Greenwich. The Binney Park show should begin at about 9:10 PM and fireworks at Greenwich Point, at approximately 9:30 PM. The Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Band entertains at Binney Park and ta disc jockey proivdes music at Greenwich Point Park in the South Concession area. Cooking is allowed only in designated areas at Greenwich Point. For information on parking and more, go to: www.greenwichct.org. The rain date is July 5th.
New Canaan
July 4th - New Canaan's fireworks take place at Waveny Park which opens to 
the public at 5 PM. The display starts around 9 PM. Required parking passes must be purchased in advance and are $25 per family for residents, $60 for non-residents. They are available online at http://www.newcanaan.info/. The rain date is July 5th.
Norwalk
July 3rd - Norwalk's fireworks display, at Calf Pasture Beach, also features entertainment. At 6 PM, there is The Amazing Andy Show; at 7 PM, a deejay and at Shady Beach, Sugar on Top performs as does Bill Genuario & Destiny. For non-residents, a parking fee of $20 per car will be charged. The rain date is July 5th. Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk.
Ridgefield
July 4th - Fireworks take place at Ridgefield High School, where the gates open at 6 PM. Bring folding chairs or blankets and a picnic supper. Admission is free and the fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk. The rain date is July 5th. Ridgefield High School, 700 N Salem Road, Ridgefield.
Rowayton
July 4th - Rowayton's fireworks are launched from a barge off of Bayley Beach, beginning at 9:15PM. There is music starting at 6 PM. The rain date is July 5th. For parking information, directions and road closings, go to: http://www.rowaytonct.com/fireworks.html.
Shelton
July 2nd - Shelton's fireworks take place at Riverwalk in downtown Shelton, adjacent to Veterans Park. From 7 PM to 9 PM, there is entertainment provided by the R&B group The Bernadettes. Fireworks begin at 9:20 PM. The rain date is July 3rd. Admission and parking are free.
Stamford
July 3rd - Stamford's free fireworks display takes place off of Cummings Beach. Police suggest arriving in the Shippan area before 8 PM, as access will be restricted to residents after that. There are food vendors on the beach and fireworks' start time is approximately 9:15 PM. The rain date is the 5th. Cummings Park, Shippan Avenue. Stamford.
Stratford
Friday, July 3rd - Stratford's fireworks take place at Short Beach Park at 9:30 PM. There is a rain date of July 5th. Short Beach Park, Dorne Drive, Stratford.
Trumbull
Saturday, June 27th - Fireworks take place as part of Trumbull Day festivities at 9:15 PM at Hillcrest Middle School. To see full event details, go to: http://www.fairfieldcountyonline.com/events/4511/.
Weston
Saturday, July 4th - The Town's celebration takes place at the Weston Middle School complex where gates open at 4: 30 PM. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 3-17. The full schedule is: 5 - 9 PM barbecue food is for sale. Entertainment includes: at 5 PM, the American Concert Band; at 6:15 PM, the Westport Community Band. Also at 6:15 PM, the Magic Genie performs. From 7:30 PM until the fireworks at 9:20, the Straight Note Chasers Band takes the stage. They continue after the fireworks, til 11 PM. The rain date is July 5th. Parking is in School Rd. parking lots and St. Francis Church. Shuttle busses from St. Francis begin at 7 PM until after the fireworks. There is no entry from Lords Highway after 6:30 PM, only via School Road and Route 57. Weston Middle School, School Road, Weston.
Westport
Friday, July 3 - The fireworks display is hosted by Westport P.A.L. at Compo Beach at sundown. Tickets are $30 per car and must be purchased in advance. They are available at the Westport Parks and Recreation offices at Longshore Club Park during business hours, and also at Westport Police Headquarters, anytime. Compo Beach closes at 4 PM on July 3rd and reopens at 5 PM for fireworks ticket holders. The fireworks show begins at approximately 9:15 PM. Rain date is Monday, July 6th. Compo Beach, Compo Beach Road, Westport, 203-341-5090.
Wilton
July 4th - Fireworks take place at the Athletic Complex on Route 7. The Parks & Recreation Department's planned activities include: 8:30 AM, Freedom Run Road 5K Race; 2:30 PM, Republicans vs. Democrats Softball Game; 5:00 PM, Shadow Act Band; 6:00 PM: The Shelter Dogs Band ; 8:00 PM: The Rum Runners (Band); 9:30 PM: (approximately) Fireworks; 10 PM, more Rum Runners (Band). Bring a picnic or enjoy food offered for sale by Trackside. Booster Parking Passes, for designated, adjacent parking areas, are $35 and can be purchased in advance. Proceeds help offset the evening's cost. General parking is $15 per car. The rain date is July 5th. For more information, go to:http://www.wiltonct.org/#fireworks.
