While the Fourth of July fireworks display will be put on hold, the annual carnival will go on as planned.
Reminder Publishing file photo
EAST LONGMEADOW — For the first time in a long time, fireworks will not be lighting up the skies of East Longmeadow this Fourth of July.
Due to ongoing construction at East Longmeadow High School, the traditional fireworks display — long a staple of the town’s holiday celebrations — has been canceled for 2025. In its place, the East Longmeadow Rotary Club will introduce a new laser light show to dazzle attendees.
“The main reason we are unable to hold the fireworks this year is due to the construction at East Longmeadow High School,” explained Alison Donnelly, president of the East Longmeadow Rotary Club. “There is no safe or approved area in the town where the fireworks can be displayed for this year.”
While the news may be disappointing to some, it is not entirely unexpected.
“Given that our Summer Concert Series location had to be moved last year due to the construction, we were aware that East Longmeadow High School would likely not be a viable option for our 2025 fireworks display,” Donnelly said. “After many months of exploring options, there is no approved area where fireworks can be lit off safely and would accommodate the crowds that normally attend the event.”
Still, the Rotary Club was determined to uphold the spirit of celebration. Instead of fireworks, a laser light show will be hosted in conjunction with the July 3 Trailer Trash concert. The event will take place at Mapleshade Elementary School, with a rain date set for July 5.
“In other communities where fireworks were not an option, they have replaced their fireworks with laser light shows, which we are excited to do as well,” Donnelly said. “We are pleased to have come up with a solution for the community.”
Despite the change, most of the town’s beloved traditions will continue. The Fourth of July parade, as well as the carnival complete with rides, will go on as planned. The carnival will take place at Center Field.
Donnelly noted that she doesn’t believe there are any other changes to the festivities and shared her excitement about the upcoming show.
“It is our understanding that the East Longmeadow Rotary Club is the first or one of the first in the area to host a laser light show, which we are really excited about.”
As for the community’s response, she said, “Many in the community are understanding and appreciative of the East Longmeadow Rotary Club’s efforts in providing an alternative.”
Donnelly emphasized that the Rotary Club is an all-volunteer organization focused on community service, and she encouraged anyone interested to get involved.
