Vernon Fireworks 2018: The Complete Guide

VERNON, CT — Vernon's annual July in the Sky fireworks show is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10, with a rain date of July 11.

Events at Henry Park and Downtown Rockville will to begin with the traditional "loud boom" salute at about 6 p.m. Sunset is at about 8:30 p.m. and fireworks will begin when the area reaches full darkness, officials said. Northeast School is not a sanctioned viewing area.

This year's main sponsors are Price Chopper and Superior Energy. McDonald's and the United Bank Foundation are sponsors of Henry Park events and Mill Street Auto is a sponsor for the entertainment in Rockville. The Rockville Community Alliance and the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department are overseeing the events.

The basics:

• Henry Park will be closed at 4 p.m. for all activities but the tower area will be closed all day.
• Gates will open at 6 p.m. at Henry Park and Downtown Rockville.
• Admission at Henry Park is $5 per car and $1 for walk-ins.
• Downtown Rockville has free admission.

Henry Park

• Superior Energy’s “Fun Zone” will be set up at McCoy Field. Bracelets are $10 and nine different rides will be featured. The Fun Zone will open at 6:15 p.m. and rides will be open until 9:15 p.m.
• Entertainment by "Risen" will be provided on the portable stage in the food court, sponsored by United Bank Foundation.
• The food court consisDng of all kinds of goodies, ice cream, wraps, pizza, fried dough, barbecue sandwiches and wings and kettle corn.
• The Whale 102.9 will be on site in the Fun Zone.
• Laurie Hessler will be offering face painting.
• Superior Energy will be providing free water.
• Glow toys and balloons will be sold throughout the park.

Downtown Rockville

• The annual Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade features any non-motorized mode of transportation and participants decorate them with a patriotic theme. Participants can decorate their scooters, bikes and wagons on their own of free decorations will be available for kids. Participants will meet in the Ladd & Hall parking lot near Court Street at 6:45 p.m. and the parade will start at about 7:30 p.m. Trophies for various categories will be awarded at 7:15 p.m.prior to the march down Main Street.
• The New England Civil War Museum will be open.
• Big Jim's Fabulous Foam Machine will be set up near Town Hall.
• Bounce Houses will feature a Huge Firetruck Slide, The “Obstacle” Course, and two large “kid friendly” bounce houses.
• Local bands will be providing entertainment.
• The annual Fashion Show will take place featuring what’s new for summer.
• Miss Greater Rockville and Miss Rockville's Outstanding Teen will be on hand.
• The Food Court will feature fried dough, burgers and hot dogs, ice cream, kettle corn, cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade and Greek specialties.

Tips

• Arrive early.
• Blankets and chairs are allowed.
• Those parking at Henry Park cannot leave until the fireworks show ends at approximately 10 p.m., Cars will likely be boxed in.
• Pets will not be allowed in Henry Park and in Rockville's Central Park.
• Henry Park will close at 4 p.m. for regular activities.
• Tower Road will be closed at 10 a.m. for both vehicle and foot traffic.
• No bicycles and no skateboards are allowed in the park during the event and in Rockville after the parade.
• No personal fireworks or sparklers are allowed.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the parks

Traffic

Henry Park

• Spruce Street closed.
• Tower Road closed after 10 a.m.
• Portions of Thomas Street closed.
• No Parking on Vernon Avenue, McLean Street, South Street, East/West Main Street.
• One side parking on High Street, Howard Street, Fox Hill Drive, Reed Street , Kevin Drive, Hale Street Extension, Earl Street, Crown Street.

Rockville

• East/West Main Street will be closed at 6 p.m.
• St. Bernard’s Terrace, Park Street and Park Place will be closed to traffic.
• No parking will be allowed on the east side of Court Street between East Main Street and Brooklyn Street.
• North side parking only rules will be in place between the entrances to the Rockville Professional Center and Vernon Avenue.
• No parking on West Main Street between Vernon Avenue and Union Street.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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