Since the first Fourth of July back in 1777, Americans have used fireworks to signify the hope and patriotism they felt for their young country. Over 200 years later, the tradition continues and families all over the country will gather with their friends and neighbors to watch colorful sparks fly in the sky to reflect and celebrate U.S. independence.
Fairfield County residents are lucky enough to have many fireworks festivities to choose from that includes live music, food, activities for the little ones and even a politically charged softball game. Below is list of events scheduled for the county's southwestern and coastal towns.
Have safe and happy holiday!
DARIEN
The town will get two chances to see fireworks in celebration of the holiday: the town will offer fireworks on July 1, at 9:15 p.m. at with a rain date is July 3 and the will offer fireworks on July 3, at 9 p.m. on the grounds with a rain date of July 5.
FAIRFIELD
As always, the fireworks display will be held on July 4 with a rain date of July 5. The show starts just after dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. and can be seen from either or Beaches. The Atwood Express Oldies Band and The John Stevens Doubleshot Band will both perform before the show. Beach parking permits are not required and parking is free after 6:00 p.m. at both the Penfield and Jennings parking lots, so get there early.
GREENWICH
For the 7th consecutive year, the town will present displays at and . Both displays are scheduled for Saturday, July 7, with a rain date of Sunday, July 8. Both shows will begin at dusk. Greenwich Point will close to vehicular traffic at 8:30 p.m. or earlier once the maximum number of cars for the available parking spaces has been achieved. Glassware is not permitted on or within 200 feet of the beach and swimming will not be allowed after sunset. Dogs are not allowed in Greenwich Point Park. The Binney Park display, which will feature the Sound Beach Community Band, will begin performing at 7:30 pm. Grills, cooking and open fires are prohibited in the park.
NEW CANAAN
A fireworks display will be held at , at 9:15 p.m. on July 4 with a rain date of July 5. The event will include children’s inflatable bouncers, The Great Sirico Magician, Town Band, glow necklaces, soda and ice cream. Waveny Park will open to the public at 5 p.m. and entry will be allowed via a paid pass.
NORWALK
Head to for a fireworks show on July 3 with a rain date of July 5. Bill Genuario & The Destiny Band will perform before and after the show. A $20 parking fee per car will be charged for cars without a Norwalk resident pass.
ROWAYTON
The Rowayton Civic Association will light up the sky offshore from Bayley Beach Wednesday evening. The fireworks will be launched from a barge beginning at 9:15 p.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes. For the best view, head to the mouth of Five Mile River to Rocky Point, including Bayley Beach and the shoreline clubs. Access to beach parking will be according to daytime rules: vehicles with a Bayley Beach sticker will be admitted or a $20 charge will be collected from vehicles without a sticker. To use picnic tables at Bayley Beach, residents should enter the lottery that will be held between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday at Bayley with beach manager Don Wilson. The winning numbers will be picked at 1 p.m. sharp.
WESTON
The town is offering a full day of activities before the fireworks display at on July 4 (with a rain date of July 5 for food and fireworks only). Start at 11:30 a.m. with swim at Bisceglie-Scribner Park for residents and guests, a barbecue at 5 p.m. and live music from 5 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. After the fireworks, stick around for an encore performance by the Straight Note Chasers Band at 10 p.m.
WESTPORT
Head to Compo Beach for the annual Town Fireworks Display on July 3 with a rain date of July 5. Tickets can be purchased at the and at the Westport Parks and Recreation office. Sales are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. Tickets are $30 per car and once they sell out, shuttle bus passes will be available.
WILTON
The festivities start early at on the July 4 with the Freedom Run Road Race (5K) at 8:30 a.m., a Republicans vs. Democrats softball game at 2:30 p.m. and live music at 5 p.m. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. More live music will follow.
