Thousands Flock to Hingham Harbor for Annual Firework Display

 As expected, Saturday night’s firework display at Hingham Harbor drew a huge crowd of residents from not only Hingham but from neighboring towns on the South Shore.

 Thousands of people, many with their children and other family members, flocked to see the annual July 4^th celebration with individuals setting up their optimum viewing spots from five o’clock onwards. The steady stream of residents carrying folding chairs, coolers and picnic blankets meant that space on the grass at the Bathing Beach was at a premium and many viewers sat on the harbor wall or took up a position on the water itself.

 The fireworks themselves were scheduled to begin at dusk but it wasn’t until nearly 9:45 that the first burst of light illuminated the harbor. For thirty minutes the crowd was thrilled by a wonderful display of colors and shapes that filled the night air, with many of those present gasping in awe as the fireworks completed their dance of celebration to a captive audience. 

This annual event in Hingham is considered to be one of the better displays on the South Shore, which is why some travel from Braintree, Hull, Hanover and Plymouth to be part of the crowd, and they were not disappointed.

 Heather Lambert from Braintree has been coming to the Hingham fireworks for four years.  “I’d rather come here anyday than go to Boston for the big display,” she said.

 This was a family occasion and despite the late hour, parents and children were able to enjoy the fireworks in safety before heading back to their cars and experiencing the inevitable gridlock that occurs when thousands of people pack into a small area.

 But even the traffic couldn’t put a damper on what was a great way to start the holiday weekend.