Fireworks on Monday
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 30, 2024 | 2:00 pm | Print
Other cities, such as Hartford, may be canceling plans for fourth of July, but in New Britain the 24th Annual Great American Boom is on as usual.
“It’s our premiere event at Stanley Quarter where over 30,000 come to watch an awesome fireworks display and honor the greatest nation on this earth,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “East Hartford and Hartford canceled their celebration so we will be expecting quite a few more people that are coming. We are doing our best to get the park ready for the thousands and thousands of people who are going to come and enjoy our nations birthday right here in New Britain.”
The 4th of July celebration begins at 5 p.m. at Stanley Quarter Park with the opening of several attractions and food vendors, followed by a concert starting at 6 p.m. by Latanya Farrell and the Bookman Styles Band and finally culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 9:15 p.m.
The event costs about $25,000 and much of it is paid by sponsor donations.
“We are lucky to partner with some amazing sponsors. In years past larger donations than this year,” said Stewart. “It was in a budget because this is a celebration the people of this community really want it. We have an obligation to provide that as long as we can. It’s tough with budget cuts. The people here in New Britain talk about having the best fireworks in Central Connecticut and we are certainly going to live up to that again.”
The Recreation Division will have an entire fleet of attractions set up for the public’s enjoyment. The fleet consists of giant trampolines, carnival games, a photo booth, interactive inflatables, pony rides, micro derby car races, caricature artist, face painters, pony rides, along with many other attractions. A $5 wristband will need to be purchased. There will also be a family 4 pack for $15, which will allow for unlimited access to all the attractions from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity for a family to have a picnic in the park, enjoy all the food vendors, have fun at all the attractions and enjoy a great pre-fireworks concert by Latanya Farrell and the Bookman Styles Band,” said Director Erik Barbieri. “We encourage people to come early and get their spot because it fills up pretty quickly.”
For everyone’s delectable enjoyment the largest array of food vendors in the history of the Great American Boom will be available including: hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, fried seafood, pulled pork sandwiches, steak and cheese grinders, thai food, fried dough, funnel cakes, fried desserts, Italian ice, ice cream, slushies and more. So bring your appetites and be prepared to enjoy a hearty 4th of July feast.
Parking will be made available at Central Connecticut State University. Handicapped parking is available at Stanley Quarter Park through Eddy Glover Boulevard entrance only. Be sure to arrive early and bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray to sit down and enjoy the firework show. For more exciting program information check out our summer brochure, or visit us on the web at nbparksnrec.org, or call the Parks and Recreation Hotline at 860-826-3360.
