The high point of summer is upon us. July Fourth is this Tuesday and tons of local businesses, civic organizations, and community members are gearing up this weekend (and pretty much this whole month for that matter) for a slew of fireworks, parades, and good, clean fun. Across the South Fork there’s a bunch of firework shows put on by the “first family of fireworks,” the Gruccis. Known across the globe as the authority on pretty pyrotechnics, this sixth-generation family-owned company holds the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display ever recorded as well as the largest pyrotechnic image. For nearly four decades, they’ve been behind some of the East End’s most lustrous light shows.
Here’s where you can catch fireworks, parades, and more star-spangled, show-stopping fun this weekend and beyond.
Since 1947, the Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett has hosted Fourth of July fireworks annually. This year is no different, as the Grucci family is expected to make the sky sparkle above Napeage Bay this Saturday at 9:15 p.m.. The yacht club is located on Abrahams Landing Road, so prime viewing places include Fresh Pond Beach and
Tomorrow, June 30, it’s the “36th Annual American Picnic” benefit with fireworks by Grucci. Hosted by Danielle and David Ganek, the benefit helps support Southampton Fresh Air Home (SAFH) and its programs for children with disabilities. The festivities start at 7 p.m. at 1030 Meadow Lane in Southampton. Fun will include a carnival with games, stilt walkers and magicians, a deliciously classic American-themed picnic, music, dancing, and a fireworks display by Grucci displayed over Shinnecock Bay. All ages are welcome. Adult tickets are $350, junior tickets are $250, and children’s tickets are $175. Get yours here or call 631-283-5847.
Tomorrow, June 30, and Sunday, July 2, the night sky will be lit by fireworks at the North Sea Fire Department’s 78th annual carnival. Located at Firemen’s Field (149 Noyac Rd. in Southampton), the carnival will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. tonight through Sunday with the fireworks slated to start between 9 and 9:30 p.m..
The John A. Ward Independence Day Fireworks are this Saturday, July 1, at around 9:30 p.m. in Sag Harbor. Once again, Grucci is behind the show in the sky, with fireworks slated to pop off at the Sag Harbor Yacht Club. Bring your beach chair and park yourself at Marine Park on Bay Street to catch the action. Get there before sunset to claim the perfect spot.
On Tuesday, July 4, “Stars Over Montauk” fireworks are at Umbrella Beach, located about a third of a mile west of town on South Emerson Avenue, just behind the IGA. Beginning around 9 p.m., the pyrotechnic expert Grucci family will pull out all the stops and light up the sky. All are welcome to enjoy an extra special Fourth of July by setting sail with the Montauk Chamber of Commerce on a special fireworks boat cruise. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees (must be 21 and older) can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Sammy’s (448 West Lake Dr.) with boarding starting at 7 p.m. at the Viking Fleet dock right next door. Tickets are $150 per person for the boat cruise and will include beer and wine, a buffet dinner, plus a live performance by The Realm Band. Rain date is Wednesday, July 5. Tickets are available here. Call the chamber at 631-668-2428 for more information.
On Tuesday, July 4, the Village of Southampton Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events invites all to join in for a Fourth of July parade. Beginning at 10 a.m. at Railroad Plaza, the parade continues down Main Street, then down Jobs Lane, ending at Agawam Park. According to a letter from the village office, this year’s grand marshal is Dennis Schmidt, a Vietnam War veteran who owned and operated Schmidt’s Market on North Sea Road for over 40 years. (Schmidt’s Market moved its location to 146 Jessup Ave. in Quogue this year. They’re still serving the same awesome food, so be sure to visit!)
Southampton’s July Fourth parade is one of the largest events of the year for the village and includes fire departments, marching bands, little league teams, veterans and active duty military, antique cars, floats, and much more. Call 631-283-0247 ext. 231 or click here for more information.
On Friday, July 7, Shelter Island Fireworks (SIF), a not-for-profit that brings all the July Fourth firework action to The Rock, hosts the “Shipwreck Fireworks Eve” at Salt. From 6 to 11 p.m. all are welcome for a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and the opportunity to score some serious swag. Music will be provided by The Realm and there’ll be drink specials available. The next day, Saturday, July 8, a firework show from SIF will be at Crescent Beach beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, July 9. Later this month, on Friday, June 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. there’s a fundraiser to benefit SIF at Sunset Beach, complete with cocktails, music, hors d’oeuvres, and more. Tickets are $125 in advance/$150 at the door.
Later this month, The Clamshell Foundation’s annual “Great Bonac Fireworks by Grucci” will be fired off the barge on Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton on Saturday, July 15. Scheduled for around 9:30 p.m., the fireworks show is a three-decade long tradition, according to the foundation. Suggested viewing locations throughout Springs include Maidstone Park, Sammy’s Beach, Gann Road plus any of the beaches off Hands Creek Road and Springy Banks Road. If you have the means (or if you can convince your friends that do) anchor your boat out in Three Mile Harbor for the ultimate viewing experience.
