Fourth of July celebrations light up WMass

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

IT’S THE BIGGEST birthday party ever. This year’s Independence Day held on the Fourth of July celebrates America’s 247th birthday recognizing the colonies as free independent states from Great Britain back in 1776.

A federal holiday, July 4 is traditionally celebrated with family get-togethers, picnics, parades, concerts, and bombastic displays of colorful fireworks painting a colorful palate of designs high in the sky. It is reported that the tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1977, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.

The tradition continues in Springfield and surrounding communities with Star Span- gled Springfield, sponsored by MassMutual, to be held in Riverfront Park from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4, with Fireworks by Grucci set for 9:30 p.m.

“As a nation we come together on the Fourth of July to celebrate our freedom as one of the greatest democracies in the world. Thank you to our generous sponsors for making Star Spangled Springfield possible each year for the many people who make their way to Riverfront Park to enjoy several hours of fun, food, music, and Fireworks by Grucci, America’s first family of fireworks,” said Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield, organizers of the event.

From 6 to 8 p.m., there will be face painters, balloon artists and more followed by welcoming remarks and the National Anthem performed by Vanessa Ford at 7 p.m. on the Key Bank-sponsored stage. UnionJack British Invasion Band will take to the stage at 7:15 p.m.

Formed in 1979, UnionJack features the look and sounds of the 1960′s British Invasion era and beyond. They will perform everything from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, Kinks, Dave Clark Five, Hollies, Searchers, and many others.

Food and beverages will be available in the park from 6 to 9:30 p.m. including fare from Elegant Affairs, Batch Ice Cream, and Center Ring Concessions. Treats will include hamburgers, hot dogs, rice with pork and beans, sausage and pepper grinders, cotton candy, popcorn, soda, beer, wine, and more.

The pyrotechnics wizardry of Fireworks by Grucci will dance to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM.

An Armed Services medley will begin the fireworks followed by “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen, “Rock in the USA” by John Mellencamp, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, “Think Freedom” by Aretha Franklin, “God Bless America” by Celie Dion, “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys, “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith, and “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey, ending with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.”

In order to prepare for the fireworks, the Memorial Bridge, where they are shot off from, will close on July 3 at 11 p.m.

“Once the bridge is closed, we will begin setting up the show which will keep us busy all night long. It’s incredibly hard work with another six guys helping. But, in the end, it’s very satisfying not only us, but the crowds who come to see our magical displays,” said

Dave Van Buskirk, chief pyro tech for Grucci’s Springfield event.

This year’s show features some 1,500 shells shot off at speeds of 15 miles per hours into the sky where they will explode and bloom into a technicolor light show of patterns in every imaginable color.

“I don’t want to give away any of the fun, but I can tell you that we have a lot of exciting new things this year,” Van Buskirk said.

The Grucci pyro tech noted their long association with the Spirit of Springfield.

“It’s always fun to be back in Springfield and seeing people we consider good friends and to go out to dinner and catch up on what’s new,” he said.

In addition to MassMutual and Key Bank, Star Spangled Springfield is supported by 90 Meat Outlet, American