The annual Branford Fireworks display was held at this past Saturday was a huge success. Thousand's watched from the point and surrounding areas. Families staked out claims to gain the best vantage points with blankets and picnic baskets. Adults chatted and listened to the Branford Town Band, children ran and played, waiting for the signal. The first explosion filled the sky just after 9 p.m., then chaos ensued for the next 26 minutes. Flashes of every color shape and size were splashed against the night sky. Then there was smoke! From my vantage point and for most people at the point, the smoke slowly drifted towards us giving the display an ominous and eire quality. Ash rained down making the audiences more part of the display than we had expected.
Earlier in the day, I was given the chance to photograph the set-up on the dock. Fire Marshall Shaun Heffernan gave me a guided tour of the intricate electronic set up. Bay Fireworks, from New York provided the ordinance for the evening. Owner and Branford resident Andrew Randi told me that the main display consisted of 1160 mortar shots and the grand finale had over 1600, not including the tens of thousands of sparklingly fountains scattered among the surrounding rock.
I felt the smoke may have ruined many of the photos but later found that it gave it a unique enhancement. I hope you enjoy the pictures and please tells us about your experience there. Thank you, John.
