Fourth of July celebration to be a blast

Leonica Valentine

Are you dreading that grueling travel to the Macys 35th annual fireworks show by the Hudson River? Instead engage in an assortment of events in Nassau County, which only vary in activities and cost.

Nassau County’s celebratory July 4th blowout literally will begin and end with fireworks.

Massapequa Park’s fireworks display was temporarily cancelled due to financial obstacles but was pushed through and is currently scheduled for July 1.

The famed Grucci family will be setting off fireworks at several prime locales such as Einsenhower Park July 2 and Bethpage Park, Central Islip on July 3.

Philip Butler brother-in-law and chief operator at Grucci recommends everyone shoot for a 7 p.m. arrival time since their shows typically start at 9 p.m. For other fireworks shows it is wise to assume the sparks will hit the sky after sunset.

With hundreds of part-time participants and generations of experience ‘America’s First Family of Fireworks,’ the Grucci family, coordinates 8- programs stretching as far as Hawaii. Which explains why they have done fireworks displays for every presidential inauguration since 1981 making them true blue and in the patriotic spirit of Independence Day.

One of the many sobering effects of a world class firework extravaganza besides color is its location.

Shows are scheduled at Great South Bay southwest Fire Island July 3 and West Bay at Bayshore July 4. Both shows are best viewed on a boat, making it one of the Grucci’s most popular shows. The Great South Bay is a prime location because of the flat piece of water. If you are near the Bayshore area be advised that the fireworks can be seen in a estimated 20 mile circumference. Other Grucci-tastic fireworks on July 4 will take place at both Bald Hill, Farmingville and Umbrella Beach, Montauk.

For beach lovers be advised that Long Beach will host a fireworks show by Bay Fireworks July 8 with a performance by T’Bazco Road at 8 p.m. that same day. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Whether its a show of lights or music its important to get there on time and grab a good seat.

USAToday reported AAA expects a 2.5 percent decrease in July 4 travel due to gas prices. With the gas prices barreling over, the budget conscious who crave an authentic taste of history would enjoy a local alternative to historical Williamsburg, Virginia. Long Island’s own Old Bethpage Village, 209-acre of restored colonial vision.

The July 4th celebration the village hosts this year is a 1861 theme, with an all star baseball game scheduled at noon. Adults pay a $10 fee, seniors over 60 $7, children 5 to 12 $7. There will be a parade at 2 p.m., Fiddle music, military drills from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a band performance at 3 p.m. and a picnic. Participants can bring their own food, to be enjoyed in the designated picnic area.

Every year there is an Independence Day Celebration at Theodore Roosevelt’s house in Oyster Bay. Participants are welcomed to wear patriotic apparel for the celebration.

This years free activities include old fashioned children games like potato sack racing as well as crafts and storytelling by Jonathan Kruk. Kruk’s stories are about the Roosevelt kids. “Roosevelt celebrated the holiday with the community,” said Noreen Hancock, park ranger at Sagamore Hill. Hancock explained that this annual event is in honor of him and what he did for the community.

Each year many people take it upon themselves to set-off fireworks in their community. To insure your safety firefighters and the like do not advise the use of illegal fireworks.

Take it from fireworks expert in the Grucci family, “don’t do it, someone winds up in the hospital,” said Butler.

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