It took me some detective work to find out that Middletown is not having fireworks or a Fourth of July celebration again this year. The usual holiday festivities were cancelled in 2010, but I had not heard anything about this year and was thinking, wishfully, that the party would be back on. The display right on the riverbank always felt like the quintessential way to mark the holiday to me. It just doesn't feel the same without the fireworks.
During my childhood, every year my family trekked out to a huge park called Oregon Ridge in Maryland where the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra played a full concert before the lengthy fireworks display got started. Families would spend all day there with picnics and games before the free concert and show. I spent one summer in Washington D.C. and watched the display from the Mall with the Washington Monument as a background. That year, there were overcast skies, but the threats of rain never materialized. There was less of a crowd because of the forecast, and I ended up with a choice viewing spot. Celebrating our nation's independence in the nation's capital is not an overrated experience in my opinion.
It's been hard to find any other Fourth of July celebrations so spectacular as the ones I experienced early in life, partly because of the true magnificence of them, but also partly because of the way that good memories can set in and leave an unbeatable impression, leaving you always searching to recreate them. Twice I have spent the Fourth of July in Norwich, where the fireworks display over the Thames river was quite spectacular. A few summers at a town park in Western Pennsylvania were unimpressive, but pleasant. I've never seen the displays in Boston or New London and I'd like to get a chance to see those some time in the future.
Some people don't feel the connection with the Fourth of July or enjoy the fireworks all that much. I've heard from people who dislike the noise, or the crowds, or just don't feel that Fourth of July is a favorite holiday. I knew one man who was a war veteran and felt that the fireworks displays are disrespectful to veterans, because for him, the sounds and flashes of lights brought on bad war memories. I have a relative who was injured badly at a backyard Fourth of July party gone awry, where the combination of alcohol consumption and firecrackers landed her in the hospital and with a life-long injury.
Back to present day, New Britain has been in the news lately for announcing the cancellation of their annual fireworks early in June, and then having donations and grants pour in, in a still ongoing effort to restore the tradition for this year. There is a nationwide trend of downsizing or canceling the displays. The typical fireworks display for a town like Middletown or New Britain costs about $50,000.
So, Eye readers, what do you think about the lack of a celebration in Middletown this year? Is this a good way to save some money in our City budget, or are we foolish to forego one of the rites of summer? What are some the best, or worst, or most memorable Fourth of July fireworks you've seen?
And if you're looking for festivities for this year, check out the Hartford Courant's interactive map and “10 Best Bets” listing here: http://www.courant.com/entertainment/holiday/4th-of-july/
12 comments:
I was one of maybe a dozen men and women honoring the veterans of Korea and Viet Nam wars in the misting rain at the Memorial Park on Memorial Day. Authorities then decided to cancel the parade and other outdoor events because of the threatening weather. The people of this community came out in droves to watch and participate in the St Sebastian nuri celebration however, even though it was in a down pour. So the sense of patriotism really isn't valued much in this community, certainly not as much as an icon of a church in Italy. So should these folks care about the Fourh of July? Why would they, it is only a celebration of the birth of our nation, the greatest nation to exist in history. The facts are, most of these folks are too interested in their partisan politics and self serving arrangements to give a damn about what made this country great. As a veteran it deeply saddens me. It isn't hard to see why today's kids have no sense of honor and duty; no sense of what went into making this country great. Isn't it ironic that the indian nations fund these celebrations but not our communities?
I've seen that many towns across CT are cancelling their fireworks displays. I realize that people like them, that they consider them a good time, etc. With that said, if people are unemployed, if they're not paying town taxes for whatever reason, if income tax revenues are going down, how are these expensive displays supposed to be paid for? Are there other municipal services which would be better cut? Trash pickup, maybe? Pothole patching (on non-state roads)?
I have had similar feelings as the veteran who was mentioned due to PTSD with the noise and lights. Fireworks look/sound like bombs! When I moved to a town with fireworks, I would stay inside, close the blinds, and turn up loud music to avoid the display. That's an aside; just another perspective.
I also attended a 4th of July display in DC on the mall. I enjoyed it quite a bit at the time (1985).
I think, though, the true essence of America and its independence and freedom can be really exemplified thru community-building. Have your own smaller displays with neighbors! Having a large display every few years may be a way to keep the tradition without telling people that it's being killed. Have a barbeque and do sparklers with your friends!
There are a billion ways to have celebrations, and they don't necessarily involve taxdollars which could be better allocated to vital services. Or you could haul yr own trash to the dump.
How about next year we have FIREWORKS and a proper July 4th Celebration instead of Car and Motorcycle Cruise Nites.
My family always enjoyed the fireworks; originally at Palmer Field and later on the river. We'd watch the river display from St. Jonhs Church yard and then later from our yard or our neighbors yard. The traffic and the noise were all a part of the festival as well. Not unenjoyable.
The current lack of interest is not due to a loss of history but to our current economic circumstances; both on a community and personal level. The constant barrage of bad news and future bad news has immersed our communities into a sense of depression, hoplessness and lethargy. A dull sameness has entered our lives. While celebration may seem incongruous in these times it is necessary to celebrate our past victories over adversity to assure ourselves of a better future if only we participate in our present. Family back yard gatherings, street parties and private displays can be as personally enriching if we have the courage to be active in our own daily lives and not surrender our future to far distant [certainly not local] tone deaf leaders. Not to sound corny but perhaps we should ask ourselves what we we can do rather than what government can do to memorialize our freedoms. Its not the function of government to celebrate freedom rather its the function of the citizens to celebrate freedom. Perhaps the chamber[s] of commerce, private citizens, and service groups should fund these displays; set aside monies thru the year and use our riverfront for freedom displays. So when the government says "no" we the people can say "yes".
David Santacroce Sr.
Last night (Sat June 25), I performed music in Branford, CT. By chance, that town had its fireworks display last night, and folks I met there said that having it one week early saves a significant amount of money. Apparently, fireworks companies charge less on certain days. Perhaps Middletown could consider shifting fireworks to another date, and save some money.
I do miss the fireworks in town. It is a great chance for the community to gather and enjoy something simple and beautiful.
To Anonymous at 3:54pm, the reason that the Memorial Day parade can cancelled was due to the threat of lightning (not just "mist"). The City cannot compel school kids and others to march down the street in a lightning storm. This is a standard safety measure and makes sense.
Also, I don't see how the City funding of fireworks in a partisan issue; no one had raised any issues of politics here. Would you recommend a tax hike to pay for the fireworks?
Portland is still having their display.It would probably be faster to walk there than it would be to drive across the bridge with all the construction going on.
I have always wondered by Portland and Middletown don't share the cost of a fireworks display.
Great observation owski! You should write for the blog! A vet's perspective is needed!
Why can't the downtwon business foot the bill along with the taxpayers. After all don't they stay open and gain increased buisiness and profits?
to Anon, dare you to ask the Chamber why they don't foot the bill, LOL
f middletown nothing but a bunch of idoits anyway.
Besides they should have the car show and fireworks on the same day anyway, but they are to STUPID to figure this out
proud idoit was here
Post a Comment