Arts & Entertainment
Holiday Weekend Begins with a Bang
Meriden's famous fireworks festival happens tonight.
July 4th weekend in Meriden means one thing--fireworks. Known throughout the region, the city’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, happening tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Westfield Shopping Center, annually draws crowds of about 7,000 people—with hundreds more gathering at nearby viewing spots. This year should be no different, says Pamela Wiles, a spokesperson for the Westfield Group, organizers of the event.
Hosted by Mike Stevens from the Big D in the Morning Show on 102.9 WDRC-FM, the event promises a night of live music (by the Nifty Fifties), food (Rita’s Italian Ice, Pretzel Time, Star Catering and others) and family fun. Oh, yeah…and some spectacular fireworks, too!
Mayor Mike Rohde and other city officials will be on hand, along with representatives from local retailers and community groups offering dozens of children’s activities, including face painting, moon bounces, balloon sculptures and clowns. It all happens on the top level of the Sears parking garage.
Find out what's happening in Meridenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Proceeds from the Fireworks Spectacular benefit the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, which funds social service agencies serving local people in need. Last year, the event raised about $3,500. In the past, a small donation was requested but not required to attend. This year there is a $1 entry fee. (Children under two are free.)
Why the change? “This year it’s even more important that the local folks through United Way are getting that money,” explains Wiles.
Find out what's happening in Meridenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Putting on a show like this is a very expensive endeavor. “That’s the reason the event moved here in the first place,” Wiles says. For years, fireworks exploded over Castle Craig, the turret-shaped stone tower overlooking Hubbard Park. But the city couldn’t bear the cost alone, so Westfield Group—owners of the Meriden mall--stepped in. Three years ago, the fireworks moved to the mall.
This year the event has an additional sponsor, Executive Kia. Thanks to the sponsorship, this Meriden tradition continues for another year.
“It’s the Fourth of July,” Wiles says. “The city has to have fireworks.”
