Great American Boom Set for Wednesday
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 28, 2024 | 2:00 pm | Print
One of the biggest firework displays in the State will return on Wednesday, July 4th as the City presents The 26th Great American Boom at Stanley Quarter Park in honor of Independence Day.
“We expect anywhere from 25-30,000 people within the park that night,” said Craig A. Bowman, Recreation Services Coordinator. “The CCSU parking garage and surrounding neighborhoods of the park are great places to view the fireworks.”
Be sure to arrive early and bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray to sit down and enjoy all the entertainment.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with games including giant trampolines, carnival games, a photo booth, interactive inflatables, video games, micro derby car races, caricature artist, face painters, pony rides, along with many other attractions and food trucks.
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 to 8:30 p.m.
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, sausage sandwiches, fried chicken, French fries, mac and cheese, steak and cheese grinders, thai food, fried dough, funnel cakes, fried desserts, Italian ice, ice cream, slushies and more.
As usual, the Latanya Farrell Band will perform from 6 to 9 p.m., and fireworks kick off at 9:15 p.m.
Former CT Star Search champion, dubbed the Queen of Summer Concerts by the Hartford Courant in 2013, Latanya Farrell is a gifted singer, songwriter and performer with passion, energy, and a love for music and life. Her award winning vocal talent and style has influences that include Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey and Jill Scott.
“This is a great opportunity for families to have a picnic in the park, enjoy all the food vendors and attractions while listening to the sounds of a great pre-fireworks concert by the Latanya Farrell Band,” said Director Erik Barbieri.
Pyrotechnico is shooting the show which should last about 27-30 minutes.
“The Great American Boom is one of New Britain’s premier events that draw over 30,000 attendees each year,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “For 2018, we will have a huge variety of food options and entertainment options for the entire family.”
Parking is available this year in the Copernicus Garage at CCSU. Parking is also allowed on the streets surrounding the general area of Stanley Quarter Park, however, there will be no parking on the south and west side of any street surrounding the park. Temporary No Parking signs will be posted. Any vehicle found in violation of the parking restrictions are subject to tow at owner’s expense.
No rain date has been given.
On Tuesday night, July 3 The New Britian Bees will have an Independence Eve Fireworks Celebration at New Britain Stadium following the baseball game.
For the latest program information visit nbparksnrec.org, or call the Parks and Recreation Hotline at 860-826-3360.
