Update 1:40pm, Friday, July 1: The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation held a joint meeting Friday morning with the Office of the First Selectman, Greenwich Police, Greenwich Fire, and the Town’s Emergency Manager to review the weather forecast for Saturday and make a determination about the fireworks shows. After careful review and extensive consideration, the Town of Greenwich regretfully announces that both fireworks shows for Greenwich Point and Binney Park, scheduled for Saturday July 2nd, are cancelled.
The weather forecast for Saturday indicates poor conditions throughout the day, with the potential for severe thunderstorms. Significant logistics are required for the fireworks shows, including the shipping and delivery of the explosive material, which requires a decision to be made in advance.
The company that the Town contracts with to shoot both fireworks shows was unable to offer the Town a consecutive rain date shoot. “This was not an easy decision to make. We know many in our community were looking forward to celebrating July 4th with fireworks tomorrow at both parks,” said First Selectman Fred Camillo. “The fireworks shows usually offer a full day of fun, with cookouts and scheduled live music events throughout the day before the fireworks shows at night. Unfortunately, tomorrow’s weather forecast indicates that this will not be possible. We want people to be able to have time to plan accordingly.”
As an alternative, the Department of Parks and Recreation is working with the Town’s fireworks vendors to secure an end of summer fireworks celebration on Labor Day weekend. More information about the Labor Day weekend show will be announced in the coming weeks.
Although the weather forecast does not look good for Saturday, as of now, the rest of the holiday weekend looks good. We encourage the Greenwich community to visit our parks, beaches, marinas, and the Griff Golf Course to relax and celebrate with friends and family.
Original Story 11:00am Unfortunately, the weather forecast in Greenwich for Saturday and Sunday of the 4th of July holiday weekend is for thunderstorms.
On Friday morning on his WGCH Ask the First Selectman radio show, Fred Camillo said he was meeting with the Police Dept, Fire Dept, Parks & Rec and Fire Marshal later in the morning to make a determination about whether to cancel or postpone the fireworks displays scheduled for 9:00pm on Saturday, July 2 at Binney and Tod’s Point.
Camillo said technically there is no requirement to announce a decision until Saturday morning, but that the town departments would come to a decision on Friday.
Camillo noted several nearby towns had already announced they would postpone their fireworks displays, but the vendor Greenwich hired only had one available date.
He did say that if fireworks are canceled this weekend, it might be possible to reschedule fireworks around Labor Day instead.
“We’ll get an alternative date out there as soon as we can,” Camillo said. “We’re wresting with a couple of ideas.”
On a positive note, Monday’s forecast is for sunshine and the hope is that the annual Independence Day event at town hall will be held outdoors. (It is rain or shine, and will be moved into the meeting room if necessary). Greenwich, You’re Invited to Raise the Flag on the Fourth of July
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Original fireworks release from Parks & Rec, June 13:
The Department of Parks and Recreation announces the locations of the two Town Fireworks Displays in celebration of Independence Day. Once again, the Town will present displays at Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park. Both shows are scheduled for Saturday, July 2. The Binney Park Show will start at approximately 9:10 p.m. and the Greenwich Point Show will begin at approximately 9:35 p.m. It is strongly recommended that anyone planning to attend either display, and especially the Greenwich Point display, arrive early and bring a working flashlight.
Spectators wishing to attend the Greenwich Point display must remember that the rules for Greenwich Point access will be the same as usual on the day of the fireworks. The Point will be closed when the maximum number of cars for the available parking spaces has been reached. Greenwich Point will be closed to vehicular traffic at 8:30 p.m., even if the parking capacity has not been reached. Cooperation with the Police will be needed. Vehicles leaving Greenwich Point Park will not be able to reenter if parking is at capacity. There will be extra handicapped parking available at Greenwich Point Park, near the South Concession Stand.
Tailgating will not be permitted in the Greenwich Point Parking Lots during and after the display. Cooking is allowed only in regularly designated picnic areas and at Town owned grills. Glassware is not permitted on or within 200 feet of the beach and swimming will not be allowed after sunset. Dogs are not allowed in Greenwich Point Park. No Open Flame Candles, Sparklers, Chinese Fire Lanterns, Bomb Bags, Sky Lanterns, Snappers or any other type of fireworks will be allowed in Greenwich Point Park. This will be strictly enforced. Greenwich Point will be closed immediately following the conclusion of the display. As always, spectators are urged to car pool, plan ahead and be patient. Measures will again be taken by Town Safety personnel to provide expert medical coverage, a comfortable environment, and safe and efficient exit from Greenwich Point after the fireworks. These measures will include: a managed parking and traffic flow plan, assistance from G.E.M.S. with medical coverage, and portable lighting at strategic locations around the Point. Spectators are urged to bring a working flashlight. Leaving the Point on bicycles is not advisable, especially for children. Spectators at Greenwich Point will be entertained by a disc jockey stationed near the South Concession area starting at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks display will be fired from the corner of Greenwich Point (Bluff Point), well beyond the South Concession Stand. A limited area of the Point will be restricted from public use on the day of the fireworks. This restriction will be enforced. People interested in walking the Point on the day of the show will be required to take a detour around the Bluff Point Area of the Park, and this detour will take them up to Founder’s Rock. There will be many areas at Greenwich Point, including the main beach, which will offer exciting views of the dazzling colors that fill the sky. In addition, spectators in boats will enjoy great views from Long Island Sound around the Point.
The Binney Park display will once again feature the Sound Beach Community Band. They will begin performing at 8:00 p.m. They will be located on the Showmobile near the flag pole near Sound Beach Avenue. There are many safety rules that will be in effect at Binney Park as well. Grills, cooking, and open fires will be prohibited in Binney Park. No Open Flame Candles, Sparklers, Chinese Fire Lanterns, Bomb Bags, Sky Lanterns, Snappers or any other type of fireworks will be allowed at Binney Park. This will be strictly enforced. Please, no climbing of trees is allowed. Spectators are not allowed to place canvas tarps or large rocks on the ground as they damage the park lawn. Vendors will be located near the Binney Park Tennis Courts by Wesskum Wood Road. Police will be available to assist with traffic and pedestrians. Wesskum Wood Road will be closed to traffic by Police by early evening. Handicapped Parking will be available on Binney Park Drive near the tennis courts. Vehicles with appropriate permits must notify the on-duty police for assistance. All other parking on Binney Park Drive will be prohibited on the day of the display.
It is important to remember that pets should never be brought to any fireworks display as it is not safe for them. Any pets brought to Binney Park must be leashed and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.
Information sheets on the Greenwich Point display are available at the Greenwich Point Ticket Booth. Please visit www.greenwichct.gov for information on this and other programs.