Springfield brings fireworks back to July Fourth

June 1, 2021 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno helped announce the return of July Fourth fireworks.
Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – July Fourth fireworks may be rare in the region this year thanks to the effects of the pandemic.

The Spirit of Springfield formally announced on May 26 its annual fireworks display, which had been cancelled in April, is now back on due to both Gov. Charlie Baker’s orders effective May 29 about the reopening of the state, as well as Springfield Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris’ approval.

July Fourth fireworks are back on in Springfield and may just be the only such display in the region.    

East Longmeadow has confirmed there will be fireworks in that town, but the annual displays have been cancelled in Holyoke and Westfield. Southwick plans fireworks at its 250th anniversary in the fall, while South Hadley is considering it for Labor Day.

Chicopee officials told Reminder Publishing they are working to get fireworks, but are not sure if they can.

Judy Matt, the president of the Spirit of Springfield told Reminder Publishing that she contacted Fireworks by Grucci, the company Springfield has used for 31 years, as soon as she knew of the approvals from state and local officials.

She said, when she told the company about the switch and her request, “They laughed.” The concern there would not be enough time to organize the event.

Matt and her staff were able to do the necessary planning and production work to make the fireworks happen, though. She explained that Fireworks by Grucci manufactures the fireworks for each engagement. This way the type of explosives and the colors they produce can be customized.

Considerable financial support came from the MassMutual Foundation, as well as in-kind donors from 90 Meat Outlet/Armata’s, Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, H. P. Hood, Michael’s Party Rentals, Republic Services, Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, United Tractor Trailer School, city of Springfield, and many others.

Star Spangled Springfield has been a celebration of the country’s independence and a July 4th tradition since 1991 in the city.  MassMutual has been the lead sponsor since 2006.

Matt said, she was “very grateful” for the opportunity of presenting the fireworks this year.

Mayor Domenic Sarno said of the scheduling of the fireworks, “I think it sends one hell of a message about Springfield’s resiliency.”

The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park with face painters and balloon artists, and musical performances.  There will be food vendors and the splash pad will be operating.  Maxxtone, a Springfield-based band, will perform at 7 p.m., followed by the fireworks at 9:30 p.m., launched from the Memorial Bridge.

Caulton-Harris said, “We are ready to celebrate,” and she noted the city’s vaccinations efforts are still in place. She urged people to become vaccinated and if they are planning to attend the event and have not received the inoculation they should wear a mask.

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