Herald communities prepare for Fourth of July celebrations

Spectators watch fireworks as they explode over Szot Park in Chicopee.
Republican file photo

Chicopee, Holyoke and South Hadley are preparing to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks displays that bring residents together for an evening of festivities, family activities and summer tradition.

Chicopee

The Chicopee Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, with a rain date of Sunday, June 28, at Szot Park. The event is hosted by the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department.

Gates will open at either 5:30 or 6:30 p.m. with the fireworks beginning at dusk. The event will also feature some food vendors, face painting and more. For more information, readers can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 413-594-3481.

On Friday, June 26, Chicopee is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with an “evening for the whole community” from 4-10 p.m. at Szot Park.
The event will feature a bevy of food trucks, live music, local vendors and a movie to cap off the night. Admission to the event and the movie is free.
The rain date for the 250th celebration is Thursday, July 2, from 4-9 p.m. at Szot Park.

For more information, readers are encouraged to call the mayor’s office at 413-594-1500.

Holyoke

Holyoke’s July 4 fireworks celebration will take place at Holyoke Community College on Friday, June 26, and a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The event begins at 6 p.m., and a fireworks display is scheduled to start at dusk.

The Holyoke fireworks are sponsored each year by Holyoke Gas & Electric, and the event is hosted by Holyoke Community College.

Mayor Joshua Garcia said he encourages everyone to come early to enjoy the music and food. There will also be many activities for children.
“First, I’d like to thank Holyoke Gas & Electric, Holyoke Community College, and the city’s departments for continuing this tradition,” Garcia said. “Not only do we have the fireworks in honor of our nation’s history, but it also allows us to come together as a community and celebrate. As Mayor, it fills me with deep pride to see so many families and friends come out and enjoy a nice summer evening in Holyoke. We want this city to be welcoming and vibrant, and the fireworks contribute to this.”

Vendors interested in taking part in the event should contact the Parks and Recreation Department to obtain a permit application at 413-322-5620.

No alcoholic beverages or bottles are allowed on the premises.

South Hadley

The annual South Hadley fireworks celebration will occur on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m., with the fireworks commencing at 9:30 p.m. at the Michael E. Smith Middle School located on 100 Mosier St.

A potential rain date is scheduled for Friday, July 5.

The evening will include food trucks, vendors, rides and games for kids. There will be a DJ in the parking lot, and the South Hadley Community Band will start to play at 8 p.m.

People are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or chairs and plenty of bug spray. Because the event is on school grounds, alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed.

The organizers said that guests may have a bit of a walk, as parking near the middle school is limited. The town said that parking is also available at Mosier School, open until 7 p.m., or when the lot becomes full. Additionally, St. Theresa’s Church has parking until 7 p.m., and Veryl’s Automotive & Beers and Story will allow people to park for a fee that supports the charity.

Parking at the middle school is for handicapped and event staff/police/fire only, according to the town.

There is no parking allowed on Routes 116, 202 and 33 per state law. There is also no parking allowed on the following streets: Mosier, Morgan, Brainerd, Pine, Parkview, W. Parkview, E. Parkview, Richview and Belmont.